Initial 60 Police Personnel Deployed to Pangasinan Ahead of Oct. 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections
Pangasinan — An initial 60 personnel from the Regional Police Office 1 (PRO-1) have been sent to Pangasinan to boost security measures in preparation for the Oct. 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
According to a news release by Philippines News Agency, Information Officer Capt. Renante dela Cruz stated that both Philippine National Police and Philippine Army teams have been stationed in two villages categorized as “orange” to ensure the safety of residents and electoral boards. “The number might still increase in the coming days,” dela Cruz said in a phone interview. The Philippine Coast Guard has also dispatched units to the province.
Villages are placed under the “orange category” if they have intense political rivalry and have experienced shooting incidents involving BSKE candidates. Incidents have already been reported; Salvador Tan Garcia, an incumbent village councilor running for village chief in Barangay Asin East, was wounded after being shot on Oct. 3. In Barangay Bayaoas, Aguilar town, candidate Arnel Flormata was killed on Oct. 22 after a campaign event.
PPPO Director Col. Jeff Fanged announced in a press conference on Thursday that the 3,112 police personnel in the province are on full alert, and quick response teams will be present at all district polling precincts on Oct. 30.
Marino Salas, Comelec Pangasinan provincial election supervisor, noted in a phone interview that despite these incidents, the situation remains under control. He revealed that the suspects in Flormata’s shooting—Maria Magnolia Repascol Gelido, Kelly Doroy Rosario, and Jason Marquez Vicente—have been arrested and a murder case has been filed. A fourth suspect, referred to as “John Doe,” remains at large.
Salas also mentioned that the spouse of the deceased candidate will substitute in his candidacy and has already filed her certificate of candidacy. The suspects may continue their candidacy unless they are convicted.