TACLOBAN CITY– With the 2025 national and local elections set next Monday, May 12, the Provincial Joint Security Control Center (PJSCC) in Leyte has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a secure and peaceful electoral process.
In a report released by the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army (8th ID), the assurance came during a Joint Security Control Center conference held on April 29 at Camp Downes in Ormoc City. The meeting was attended by key stakeholders from the military, police, and election sectors.
According to the 8th ID, Atty. Ma. Goretti Cañas expressed confidence in the collaborative efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and other agencies in maintaining election integrity.
Police chiefs from towns classified under the Commission on Elections (Comelec) “yellow” and “orange” categories—meaning areas of concern and immediate concern—particularly in Leyte’s 3rd and 4th districts, also gave updates on local peace and order conditions.
“Expect an increased police presence, regular patrols, and checkpoints. These are part of our proactive measures to prevent any election-related violence or disruptions,” said Police Col. Dionisio Apas Jr, Leyte police provincial director.
Col. Arlino Sendaydiego, chief of staff of the 8th ID and Task Force HOPE Eastern Visayas commander, assured residents, especially those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), that all security forces are working together to ensure the safety of both voters and election personnel.
“This collaborative effort aims to protect the electorate from intimidation and threats, and to guarantee that their freedom of choice is respected. We also commit to safeguarding personnel from the Department of Education and other agencies involved in the polls,” he said.
8th ID Commander Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio emphasized the importance of securing not only the voting process but also the transportation and protection of election materials.
“Safeguarding the accurate and transparent counting of votes is essential to upholding the people’s will. Our troops are reminded to remain nonpartisan and professional throughout the entire electoral process,” Orio said.
The 8th ID concluded its statement by reiterating its dedication to a peaceful democratic exercise and called on all stakeholders to support the cause of free and fair elections in Leyte and the rest of the region.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA/LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)
