TACLOBAN CITY-Police B/Gen Bernard Banac has cited the local media’s vital role in ensuring a peaceful and orderly conduct of elections in the region.
Banac made this remark in a speech during the meet and greet meeting of the members of the PRO-8 Press Corps on Thursday night attended by media practitioners from Southern Leyte, Samar, Ormoc, and this city.
Information officers of the various provincial and city offices, led by Lt.Col. Bella Rentuaya, the regional police information officer, were also present.
PRO-8 officers and members renewed their commitment to support the police in their efforts as May 9 election is fast approaching.
Banac said that as members of PNP-8 Press Corps, the media have rendered a commitment to deliver free and truthful press, highlighting the role and contribution of the PNP in the public.
“Your work today is more consequential than ever because of the speed that the information can reach the general public, yet you remain steadfast in your dedication to media integrity,” Banac said.
Banac added that they are sworn to serve and protect as law enforcers of the land and that they will ensure public safety and security.
He also said that the police is committed to give honest and fair public service at the same time asking the media for an impartial and up-to-date reporting, especially with the coming elections.
He also vowed to accord media the necessary measures to guarantee safety as they perform their duties.
The police regional director also assured the members of the press that Eastern Visayas will be a ‘safe haven’ for them as they continue to provide information to the people of the region.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY- Police Regional Director Brigadier General Bernard Banac, this early, assures that Eastern Visayas will have a peaceful and orderly conduct of elections.
The police regional director issued this assurance during the launching of the Kasimbayanan or Kawani, Simbahan at Pamayanan, a multi-agency partnership that aims of a ‘secure, accurate, free and fair May 9, 2022 elections.’
“The launch of Kasimbayanan is our holistic and dynamic approach to include the Church and the Community into this central activity of the country. The Philippine National Police believes that the election is not only a concern of few sectors in the government; it is the general public’s inherent moral obligation to contribute to its safe and peaceful conduct,” Banac said.
As they aim to double their efforts in the forthcoming elections, the police regional office maintained that the activity will strengthen public engagement “by encouraging the communities and religious sectors to be involved in different safe-keeping programs and activities.”
“This may be a daunting task, but I am certain that we are more than capable of carrying it out. Let us bear in mind that the success of the elections lies in our hands,” Banac said.
The launch of Kasimbayan on February 18, 2022 saw the convergence of partner agencies and sectors, such as Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, Commission on Elections, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections, and religious and community leaders.
The stakeholders also declared their pledge of commitment for non-partisan and peaceful elections.
(RONALD O. REYES)