BACOLOD CITY - Security forces in Negros Occidental have started coordinating efforts to ensure the peaceful conduct of the national and local elections in the province on May 9, 2022.

On Friday, the first Provincial Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center (JPSCC) Meeting for next year's polls was convened by top commanders of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO), Philippine Army's 303rd Infantry Brigade, and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Station-Negros Occidental, together with the city and provincial officials of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), at the provincial police headquarters' Kapanalig Hall in Camp Alfredo M. Montelibano Sr. in this city.

Lt. Abegael Donasco, the spokesperson of NOCPPO, said the heads of three security units discussed their partnership for election-related operations.

"The meeting aims to strengthen coordination and interoperability among the security forces in preparation for the upcoming elections, including the increased monitoring for possible election hotspot areas," she added.

The meeting was led by Col. Romy Palgue, director of NOCPPO; Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of 303IBde; and Capt. Ludovico Librilla Jr., commander of PCG-Negros Occidental.

Bacolod City Election Officer Kathrina Trinio-Caa and Acting Negros Occidental Provincial Election Supervisor Ian Lee M. Ananoria discussed Comelec Resolution 10695 that prescribes the calendar of activities about the elections, including the prohibited acts.

In July this year, the Coast Guard was included in the JPSCC under the tripartite mechanism officially adopted by the three agencies - Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, and the PCG, through Resolution 11-2021. (PNA)