TANJAY CITY, Negros Oriental — The Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO), the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), and the Philippine Army formally pledged to work together to ensure a secure, accurate, free, and fair Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) 2026 at a solidarity conference held Thursday, September 24, at the Tanjay City Function Hall in the city’s New Government Center.
The event, held under the “SAFE BSKE 2026” banner, brought together election officials, police and military commanders, and local government leaders from across Negros Oriental.
Unity Walk and Pledge Mark the Conference
The solidarity conference included a unity walk and a formal pledge of commitment. According to NOrPPO, the activity was designed to strengthen coordination and shared responsibility among election stakeholders, with the goal of protecting the integrity of the electoral process and maintaining peace and order throughout the election period.
The gathering drew representatives from local and national government offices, underscoring the broad coalition of agencies committed to peaceful elections in the province.
Police Chief Calls for Vigilance and Coordination
PCOL Jonathan B. Abella, NOrPPO acting provincial director, delivered the solidarity message and reaffirmed the Philippine National Police’s commitment to a SAFE BSKE. Abella stressed unity, vigilance, and close coordination among all stakeholders as essential conditions for a peaceful environment where every eligible voter can cast a ballot freely and safely.
Senior Election, Military, and Local Officials Attend
The conference drew senior figures from across the region’s election and security establishment. Attendees included Atty. Lionel Marco R. Castillano, COMELEC regional election director for the Negros Island Region, and Atty. Eddie G. Aba, provincial election supervisor. Also present were Atty. Felicisimo M. Catacutan, president of the Negros Oriental Association of COMELEC Employees, and Tanjay City Vice Mayor Reynil T. Arcide.
BGEN Jason V. Jumawan, commander of the Philippine Army’s 302nd Infantry Brigade, also attended, alongside PLTCOL John A. Mocyat of the Tanjay City Police Station and members of the city’s executive and legislative bodies.
Postponement Bill Still Awaiting Presidential Action
The solidarity pledge comes amid legislative uncertainty over the election’s timing. Congress has passed a bill that would move the BSKE from its current scheduled date of November 2, 2026, to November 2028, which would also extend the terms of incumbent barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials from four to five years. As of this writing, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has not yet acted on the measure.
COMELEC has stated that preparations will continue until a postponement law is formally enacted. Under the current COMELEC calendar, the filing of certificates of candidacy runs from September 28 to October 5. The election period and accompanying gun ban are set from October 3 to November 9.
By the Numbers
- November 2, 2026 — current scheduled date of the BSKE under existing law
- November 2028 — proposed rescheduled date under the congressional postponement bill
- 4 to 5 years — term extension for barangay and SK officials if the postponement bill is signed
- September 28 – October 5 — filing period for certificates of candidacy under the current COMELEC calendar
- October 3 – November 9 — official election period and gun ban duration
Why This Matters
The SAFE BSKE solidarity conference signals a coordinated, multi-agency commitment to election security across Negros Oriental at a time when the barangay and SK polls face an uncertain timeline due to a pending postponement bill in Malacañang. COMELEC has made clear that election preparations — including candidacy filing and the gun ban — will proceed on schedule unless and until the President signs a postponement law. The alignment of police, military, and election authorities in a formal public pledge reinforces accountability and sets the tone for security operations in the lead-up to what remains a constitutionally mandated electoral exercise.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office
