SAMAL, Bataan--The election period for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) election on May 14, this year kicked off with the setting up of checkpoints starting 12 midnight of Friday in Bataan.
Senior Supt. Marcelo Dayag, the Bataan police director, and lawyer Gilbert Almario, the provincial chief of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), made the round and inspected checkpoints in the province at dawn Saturday.
“It is already completed and the preparations of the police when it comes to the coming election are in place. Our security plan is also ready. I think, there will be no problem,” Dayag said.
The provincial police director said that checkpoints should be well-lighted and must have signboards that show the names of the election officer and chief of police of the respective town and city with their contact numbers.
Listed on the checkpoint signboard in Samal are the names of election officer Maribeth Abadecio and Chief Inspector Emelito dela Cruz, the town chief of police.
“The checkpoint random is not only here but also in different areas so that it will be noticed that there are policemen. It is not only during night time but also in daytime,” Dayag said.
Almario said that even Comelec – Bataan is all set for the barangay and kabataang barangay election.
“We are ready. Since last year, the preparation is continuously being conducted. Now, the teachers who will serve the election are also complete. The ballot boxes are likewise prepared and ready in the municipalities,” the provincial election supervisor said.
He said midnight of Friday was the kick-off of the setting up of election checkpoints that will last until May 21, 2018.
“The election on May 14, 2018 will take place and I think it will no longer be postponed,” Almario answered when asked if the election will surely go through.
Abadecio said checkpoints will be conducted following the proper procedures.
She said that private motorists will be treated under the “plain view” principle.
“Private motorists and their passengers will not be forced to alight during the checkpoint. It is only visual,” she added. (Ernie Esconde/PNA)
