PRO 13 makes early preparation for barangay, SK elections 2023
CAMP RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City – The Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) in Northeastern Mindanao (The Caraga Region) is now preparing and laying out security plans as it is set to assume election duties as a deputized agency of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on October 30, 2023.
PRO 13 Regional Director Police Brig. Gen. Pablo G. Labra ll said all operational planning and preparatory activities of the PRO 13 are guided by Comelec Resolution No. 10902, which approved the calendar of activities for the 2023 barangay and SK polls.
*Northeastern Mindanao Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) Police Brig. Gen. Pablo G. Labra ll (right) told the field troops to do their mandated task to ensure a peaceful and orderly conduct of upcoming 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on October 30, 2023. The top police official in Caraga region made this statement during his surprise inspection to different police units in the region. (Mike U. Crismundo/Manila Bulletin)*
The election period will begin on August 28 and will end in November.
“PRO 13 will strictly enforce all prohibited acts during the entire 90-day election period as enumerated under the Omnibus Election Code and Resolutions by the Comelec,” the region’s top police official told The Manila Bulletin on Friday, June 16.
These prohibited acts, he said, include the bearing, carrying, or transporting firearms or other deadly weapons in public places including buildings, streets, parks, private vehicles, or public conveyances, unless authorized in writing by the Comelec.
Also prohibited during this period is the use of security personnel or bodyguards by candidates, Brig. Gen. Labra said.
“The regional command of PRO 13 down to lower units spread in the five provinces and six cities in Caraga region will beef up efforts to ensure a peaceful and orderly conduct of BSKE 2023,” stressed the region’s top cop in Northeastern Mindanao.
He said PRO 13 is closely coordinating with the Comelec as well as the regional and provincial police offices including the identification of election areas of concern.
The Comelec scheduled the filing of COC for the upcoming BSKE from August 28 to September 2, 2023.
“Our collective efforts include intensifying inspections of our police units in the region,” Brig. Gen. Labra said, adding “It is crucial that we are always prepared, equipped, and ready to respond effectively and efficiently to any situation that may arise”.
Initially, BGen. Labra inspected and checked the far-flung Municipal Police Stations (MPSs) of Marihatag and San Agustin; 1st Surigao Del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company, 2nd Maneuver Platoon, in Lianga, all in Surigao del Sur; and 1st Agusan del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company, 4th Maneuver Platoon in Prosperidad town, Agusan del Sur.