DAVAO CITY – The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson, Police Captain Hazel Tuazon, announced that security measures for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections on October 30, have been meticulously planned and put in place.
In addition, a gun ban will be implemented to prevent potential disturbances during the election period.
Tuazon addressed the Senate Committee on Basic Education on August 23 and stated, “As of today, we have no areas of concern with regards to the Barangay and SK elections. Our preparations are already well underway, and the gun ban will take effect from August 29 to November 29, just before the holiday season.”
The city is steadfast in ensuring security measures are strictly adhered to.
The DCPO encourages the public, including politicians, to strictly adhere to regulations during the election period to prevent possible unrest.
Tuazon added, “We urge all fellow Davaoeños that when the gun ban starts, they should avoid carrying firearms to avoid any issues, especially at checkpoints. The PNP and Task Force Davao are maintaining strict oversight, especially at boundary checkpoints. So, once the gun ban starts, we will doubly ensure security, particularly as the campaign period for politicians begins.”
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region XI Director Alex Roldan explained that while some Barangay captains in the Davao region are facing cases such as corruption, this does not prohibit them from filing their Certificate of Candidacy. Disqualification will only occur if the Ombudsman declares them ineligible or if a court decides to disqualify them from holding any position.
However, some Barangay captains have been penalized by the Ombudsman instead of being disqualified, by being made to pay for their transgressions.
Roldan clarified, “Some in Davao City were disqualified initially, but after filing a Motion for Reconsideration, their cases were cleared, and they were subjected to penalties instead of disqualification. We only have around five cases in the entire region that resulted in disqualification.”
DILG XI, the DCPO, and other law enforcement agencies are hopeful for a smooth and peaceful Barangay and SK elections in October.
