LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – To signify readiness for the approaching Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections 2023, there were 6,141 government forces and resources composed of Police Regional Office (PRO-COR) and Regional Supports Unit personnel with 853 personnel of Armed Forces of the Philippines alongside 14,912 teaching and non-teaching personnel were formally deployed through the Simultaneous Multi-Agency Send-Off and Turnover Ceremony of Government Forces and Resources held at Camp Major Dangwa, October 23.
“We are all public servants, we are here to serve the public,” said Atty. Julius Torres, Regional Election Director, COMELEC-CAR as he gave his final guidance. Torres highlighted elections as a huge part of history where he encouraged the DepEd personnel to perform with utmost integrity and efficiency in serving the Filipino people and asked for protection of Filipino voters, poll workers and each other from law enforcement agencies.
Further, Estela Leon-Cariño, EdD, CESO III, Regional Director DepEd-CAR pointed to having the privilege of responsibility with accountability. She foresees elections as an opportunity to grow and their values be rekindled. Cariño also reminded their personnel to always put God in their service.
With the situation of elections in Abra, resignation of service was recorded. According to Cariño, the common reason for the withdrawal is the safety of their personnel.
PGEN David Peredo, Jr. Regional Director CAR, emphasized doing what is right as their guide for their deployment mentioning collaboration, cooperation, communication and coordination for a successful election.In addition, BGEN Santiago Enginco, Commander, 503rd BDE, 5ID, PA highlighted commitment in doing the mission.
Moreover, the blessing of equipment and personnel was led by PMAJ Alexander Pardo, Regional Pastoral Officer, PRO-CAR and Pastor Gabriel Francisco. By Adrian Mas