Mayor John Dalipe called on aspiring barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan candidates to adhere to all prescribed rules set by the Commission on Election (COMELEC) for the entire duration of the election period.

This, as the city prepares for the official start of the BSKE campaign period on Thursday, October 19.

“I reiterate Mayor John Dalipe’s appeal to everyone for candidates and electorate alike to follow election rules and guidelines imposed by the COMELEC. This includes the gun ban,” said Liza Jocson, Mayor Dalipe’s spokesperson, during the regular press briefing at City Hall Tuesday morning.

Jocson added that the mayor is likewise urging candidates to prepare their platforms and to conduct an honest campaign to show their constituents their commitment to public service.

“Again, for the candidates, remember that your platform and your conduct during the campaign period will help the electorate choose candidates who they feel are honest, trustworthy, and principled. And so, prepare a good platform, conduct an honest campaign, and do not violate COMELEC rules,” Spokesperson Jocson shared.

City Police PIO Lt. Col. Andrew Cortes shared that 891 police personnel will be deployed to ensure the security of Zamboanga City and all the 118 identified voting centers for the BSKE.

Moreover, the police force will be further augmented with 261 personnel from the AFP, 119 from the Philippine Coast Guard, and force multipliers comprised of 45 medical personnel, 513 firefighting personnel, and 261 men and women from civic groups.

“Hinde kita ta deja con el preparation for the BSKE. Last week, yan conduct kita con el signing of Peace Covenant and Inter-faith Prayer Rally junto con de aton maga candidato ta corre para barangay y SK,” said Lt. Col. Cortes.

Meanwhile, District 1 Election Officer Atty. Stephen Roy Cañete said the COMELEC will be conducting OPLAN Baklas on October 19, the start of the campaign period, to ensure that all BSKE candidate comply with campaign regulations.

Atty. Cañete reminded candidates to place their campaign materials in the common poster area designated by the COMELEC.

Strictly off-limits are streetlight and electric posts, and public parks.

“Bawal kita pone na maga poste de coriente, maga streetlight. Tiene yo ya mira maga palo pilit ele o ya saca support na streetlight. Definitely si pone sila campaign materials con akel, man baklas kame con akel,” Atty. Cañete explained.

Campaign materials may be posted in private properties provided the candidate has the permission of the owner.  (Jasmine Mohammadsali)