Gatchalian: Protect 2023 BSKE poll watchers

FILE PHOTO: Poll watchers scrutinize the vote tally at Maximo Estrella Elementary School in Makati City. KIMBERLY DELA CRUZ

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday urged government agencies to ensure that educators who will serve as poll watchers on Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) are protected.

In a statement, Gatchalian called on the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Philippine National Police to provide poll watchers on BSKE, which is scheduled for October 30, a safe environment.

Gatchalian, chairperson of the Senate committee on primary education, said teachers serve as front liners during elections, adding that they “face various risks” while on duty.

“Bahagi ng pagpapanatili natin ng kaayusan sa darating na BSKE ang pagtiyak na bawat guro at poll watchers ay protektado mula sa ano mang banta ng panganib,” said Gatchalian, chairperson of the Senate committee on basic education.

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(Part of maintaining order in the upcoming BSKE is ensuring that every teacher and poll watchers are protected from any threat of danger.)

Citing data from Comelec, Gatchalian said a total of 361 barangays were placed under “red category,” which means there are occurrences of suspected election-related incidents in these areas.

“In other words, the red category means there are security threats posed by terrorist groups, or if the area has been declared under Comelec control. The poll body also expects that the number of election hotspots might increase as the election day draws nearer,” said the senator.

Meanwhile, 1,271 areas were placed under the orange category and 1,199 areas under the yellow category.

JMS/abc