NO ARMED GROUP. Benguet Governor Crescencio Pacalso urges armed groups not to disturb the campaign of candidates for the May 14 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls. (PIA-CAR file photo/ Redgie Melvic Cawis)
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Governor Crescencio Pacalso has urged armed groups in the province not to disturb the ongoing campaign of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) candidates for the May 14 synchronized election.
Pacalso airred this Tuesday following reports that the armed group Cordillera Peoples Liberation Army (CPLA) is allegedly recruiting Benguet residents to join the alliance.
“We would like to request them to move aside from this barangay election so that the people will not be confused. They should stop recruiting in our area,” Pacalso said.
“We are moving towards a peaceful province and a peaceful elections and joining an armed group whom I do not believe is working for the security of the community, is but instead disturbing the peace and order in the province,” he said.
“I would like to remind this armed group that they are not welcome here in the province and we will do everything to pre-empt any illegal and unnecessary action from this armed group,” Pacalso said.
Meanwhile, candidates are reminded to always follow the guidelines set by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
The governor had repeatedly said that Benguet has always been a peaceful province during elections without any record of election related violence.
In the recent meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) to prepare their action plan for the upcoming barangay and SK election, among the critical issues also raised is the transportation and security of the ballots, including the security of the voting precinct in far-flung communities.
To ensure the safety and orderliness in the community during the campaign period, Benguet-Provincial Police Office (BPPO) installed PNP check points and continually conducts foot patrol.
In the voting precinct, especially in areas where communication is difficult, a bigger number of police escorts will be detailed in time for the election.
In areas where sightings are identified, tighter security measures will be applied.
For many decades, Benguet has been practicing the culture of serving the public in a fair and contested arena during election. Candidates are encourage to present their self as a willing public servant without prejudicing their opponent. (PNA)
