By Miriam G. Desacada
Tacloban City–The Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC) convened for the 2nd time on Wednesday (Jan. 15) at Camp Vicente Lukban in Catbalogan City, Samar, primarily to help ensure a peaceful and credible national and local midterm elections this 2025.
Hosting the conference was the 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division (8ID) of the Philippine Army, which is a component of the RJSCC together with the Philippine Coast Guard-Eastern Visayas, Police Regional Office-Region 8 (PRO-8), Bureau of Fire Protection-Region 8 (BFP-8), and the Commission on Elections-Region 8 (Comelec-8), among other stakeholders.
Key officials in the conference were Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, 8ID commander, Police/Brig. Gen. Jay Cumigad, PRO-8 director, Commodore Elgene Gregorio, assistant district commander of PCG-E. Visayas, Senior Superintendent Randy Mendaros, BFP-8’s assistant regional director for operations, and lawyer Remlane Tambuang, election director for Comelec-8.
The 2nd RJSCC confab was intended to strengthen inter-agency collaboration that would guarantee a safe, orderly, and credible conduct of the 2025 elections in Eastern Visayas, according to an insider of the group, adding that their collective effort must safeguard the integrity of the elections, while ensuring voters safety.
The RJSCC this time focused on reviewing joint operational guidelines and strategies to enhance security measures, streamline communications, and address potential challenges that may arise during the election period.
Orio, of the conference host 8ID, declared that the Philippine Army is committed to protect the sanctity of the electoral process. “This is our mandate for the upcoming elections. We are ready to help ensure the success of this democratic exercise,” said the general.
Orio further emphasized the Army’s readiness to address challenges, enforce security protocols, and prevent disruptions that would compromise the integrity of the elections.
Cumigad, the highest police official in the region, highlighted the significance of the RJSCC in addressing gaps and ensuring comprehensive election planning. “We were able to address the lacking requirements and provide an avenue for both the PNP and AFP to effectively deploy personnel, leading to comprehensive planning for the midterm elections,” he stated.
Comelec-8’s Tambuang, for his part, underscored the essential role of partnerships with stakeholders, including the AFP, PNP, BFP, and PCG, in maintaining peace and security during the elections. “The Comelec cannot achieve this alone. We need the support of all stakeholders to ensure peace and security in our area, allowing people to leave their homes and vote freely on election day,” he said.
This collaboration emphasizes the importance of a unified effort to foster a secure and credible electoral process, said the Comelec’s topmost official in the region.
The collective resolve shown during the 2nd RJSCC Conference reflected the “unwavering commitment of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Storm, the Philippine Army, and partner agencies that would guarantee a peaceful election in Eastern Visayas, said Orio who incidentally heads the JTF. —-Miriam G. Desacada