The Police Regional Office in Mimaropa region is intensifying its efforts to boost security measures ahead of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections slated on 30 October 2023.

PRO-Mimaropa regional director Brig. Gen. Joel Doria directed all police units in the region to sustain a more solid security measures for the polls.

"I direct all police units in the region to intensify and sustain law enforcement, security, and public safety operations to ensure free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible elections," Doria said.

"It is important that our PNP personnel on the ground remain vigilant at all times and for the public to cooperate in ensuring a peaceful and fair election process," he added.

Doria disclosed that since the start of the election period on 28 August 2023, the PRO-Mimaropa has conducted a total of 13,523 Comelec checkpoint operations, which enforced the gun ban and other law enforcement initiatives that have resulted in the confiscation of 27 firearms and the arrest of 25 violators as of 18 October 2023.

It also accepted the surrender of 38 firearms and another 66 firearms for safekeeping as part of preventative measures against the proliferation of unauthorized firearms that might potentially be used to disrupt the upcoming elections.

"I assure the public that PRO Mimaropa strictly implements security measures that are crucial for maintaining safe and fair elections, ensuring that the voting public can exercise their right to choose their local leaders without fear or intimidation," Doria said.

"PRO Mimaropa is ready for any election-related security issues and concerns that may arise before, during, and after the 2023 synchronized BSKE," he added.