Multi-agency send- off, turnover of personnel, resources ceremony signal intensified preparation for 2023 BSKE

IN a powerful display of unity and determination, the Philippine National Police hosted the Multi-Agency Send-Off and Turnover of Personnel and Resources Ceremony for the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) at Camp Crame, Quezon City. The event saw the convergence of various government agencies, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to ensuring a secure and transparent electoral process.

The contingents for the send-off ceremony included 715 PNP personnel, 250 from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), 115 from the Philippine Coastguard, and 90 participants from the Department of Education, out of thousands of total numbers of deployable forces ready for the 2023 BSKE.

During the ceremony, notable figures from each agency delivered their Send-Off Messages. Vice Admiral Rolando Lizor Punzalan Jr., Deputy Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard; Lt. General Charlton Sean Gaerlan, Deputy Chief of Staff of the AFP; and Atty. Revsee A. Escobedo, Undersecretary for Operations of the Department of Education, and Honorable George Erwin M. Garcia, COMELEC Chairman, emphasized the significance of their roles in ensuring the safety and integrity of the electoral process.

PNP Chief, PGen Benjamin Acorda Jr., shared his insights and motivation for the multi-agency effort. He stated “Suffrage is more than just voting; it represents the heart of democracy. It gives individuals the power to shape their nation and participate in its governance. The BSKE is an integral part of our electoral system, providing a platform for citizens to exercise this valued right.”

The PNP Chief pledged to provide the Filipino people with a trustworthy and dependable service, while urging all partner agencies to unite under the banner of “Serbisyong Nagkakaisa.” He stated, “Salamat, at nawa’y ang ating nagkakaisang pagsisikap ay magbunga sa isang mapayapa at matagumpay na Barangay at Sangguniang Kabataan Elections 2023”.

In his message, he likewise urged the participants to prioritize their well-being and support one another, as their collective effort is essential in ensuring a successful and secure BSKE. He reminded them, “In this challenging task that lies ahead, remember that you are not alone. You stand shoulder to shoulder with your fellow Filipinos, with our partners in the COMELEC, DepEd, AFP, PCG, and your brothers and sisters in the PNP. Together, we form a united front, working to serve and protect the interests of our fellow citizens and our beloved nation.”

As the country approaches the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, this Multi-Agency Send-Off and Turnover Ceremony stands as a symbol of the nation’s collective dedication to ensuring a peaceful, transparent, and democratic electoral process