Joint security activated for May polls

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  - - Government security forces and the Commission on Election (Comelec) activated a super body for a wider security and control center to ensure the peaceful conduct of election in the region.

Senior security officials from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the activation of the Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC), pursuant to Comelec Resolution No. 9561-A. The same resolution also created the committee on the ban on firearms and security personnel.

During the activation, President Benigno Aquino III, who is scheduled to visit this city, will also briefly assess the implementation of the security superbody.

All the ground commanders of the police, military, Comelec officers in the region were gathered during the coordinating conference at the Camp Abendan Regional Police headquarters at Barangay Mercedes for the finalization of the security measures before the start of the election period.

The election and security super body is designated to issue temporary security details, implement the ban on bearing, carrying or transporting of firearms and the employment,  availment or engagement of security personnel in the region.

Police Director Elpedio de Asis, chief of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operation (DIPO) Western Mindanao, said the activation of the RJSCC is intended to ensure a secure, fair and honest election.

De Asis said the RJSCC will  coordinate all the security operations related to the election.