THE Commission on Elections (Comelec)-Davao reminded the uniformed personnel of their limitations at polling centers where they should be positioned 50 meters away from precincts.
Lawyer Krisna Samantha Caballero, chair of the City Board of Canvassers, urged the police and military personnel to observe the guidelines of Comelec during elections.
“So I think ‘yong pag-implement na no backpack policy at tsaka yong mga checkpoint, I think it’s possible na makita kayo sa loob ng mga schools kasi diba may mga schools na malalayo po yong mga presinto so maglalakad pa sa ground and 50 meters is not far away,” she told the uniformed personnel Monday, May 6.
“Alam ko idedeploy na kayo sa mga respective voting centers or polling places kung saan kayo i-a-assign for our election. Seven days nalang po election na and very overwhelming po yong support na binibigay ninyo sa amin sa Commission on Elections,” she added.
But when emergency that needs security intervention arises, their attention may be called, provided that their presence is warranted by a request, said Caballero.
“We also discussed during our final briefing, ‘yong pwede kayong pumasok up to 30 meters lang or once needed. Ni-request namin ‘yong mga electoral board to prepare ‘yong order para at any time pwede kayong pumasok at hindi kayo ma-question especially pag may security concern for our electoral boards and sa ating election paraphernalia,” she said.
Caballero recognized the contribution of the security forces and other law enforcement agency to make the upcoming election successful.
“This time admittedly, the Commission on Elections is not enough, it is where we appreciate the hands lend to us by you. You, that do not just serve and protect the Filipino people and protect the ballots as well, hands that are willing to protect the integrity of the election but hands that protect the true and the real voice of the people too,” Caballero said.