LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Albay, together with the deputized member-agencies of the Provincial Joint Security Control Center (PJSCC) expressed commitment and readiness to ensure a safe, peaceful and orderly Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) 2023.

During the PJSCC’s final meeting on Thursday, COMELEC Albay Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Maria Aurea Bo- Bunao discussed their roles and tasks for the conduct of BSKE. 

Bunao strongly urged everyone to  support the Kontra-BIGAY campaign to intensify the fight against vote buying and selling.

For easier and faster reporting and monitoring, Bunao said the public can scan their generated QR code. Users will be automatically re-routed to the forms to be filled-up.

"We are using the QR code. Yung may complaints or reports regarding Kontra-BIGAY madali na lang due to technology dahil sasagutan na lang iyon," Bunao said.

She also reminded and encouraged the teachers who will serve during the election to continue their preparation and review, especially on the processes and appreciation of ballots since the election will be conducted manually.

For the Albay Police Provincial Office (APPO), Operations Officer PLtCol. Ruel Pedro said the comprehensive unified security plan has been prepared together with the Philippine Army and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

''Cities and municipal police stations will establish 24/7 checkpoints from October 29 - 31 in compliance with the directives of COMELEC,'' Pedro said.

Pedro said over 2,000 added personnel will be deployed during the election, of which 1,526 are from the PNP, 508 from the Army and 27 from the PCG.

With Mayon’s ongoing unrest, affected voting centers will be relocated to an alternative voting facility in case the alert level will be escalated. (With reports from Cyryl L. Montales/PIA5/Albay)