PBBM agrees to deputize AFP, PNP to secure Caloocan plebiscite

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos, Philippine News Agency

Marcos on Aug. 27 issued Memorandum 31, directing the AFP, the PNP, and other law enforcement agencies and concerned government agencies to coordinate and cooperate with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the performance of their duties and functions. (PCO file photo)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has concurred in the deputation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to secure the Aug. 31 plebiscite in Caloocan City for the division of Barangay 176, the biggest village in the country.

Marcos on Aug. 27 issued Memorandum 31, directing the AFP, the PNP, and other law enforcement agencies and concerned government agencies to coordinate and cooperate with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the performance of their duties and functions.

The Constitution authorizes the Comelec, with the concurrence of the President, to deputize law enforcement agencies and government instrumentalities, including the AFP and the PNP, to ensure “free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible elections.”

The poll body in July issued Comelec Resolution 11017, setting the date of plebiscite on Aug. 31 for the ratification of Republic Act (RA) 11993 that divides Barangay 176, otherwise known as Bagong Silang, into Barangays 176-A, 176-B, 176-C, 176-D, 176-E, and 176-F.

According to the Comelec resolution, the plebiscite period will start on Aug. 1 and end on Sept. 7.

During the plebiscite period, it is prohibited to bear or carry firearms or other deadly weapons in public places; transfer or detail officers and employees in the civil service; organize or maintain reaction forces, strike forces, or similar forces; suspend local elective officials; and coerce, threaten, intimidate, or terrorize any election official or employee in the performance of his functions or duties.

On the eve of the plebiscite, it is prohibited to campaign; sell, buy, or serve intoxicating liquor; and give or accept free transportation, food, drinks, and things of value.

On plebiscite day, the casting of votes will be from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., while the counting and canvassing of votes will begin at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., respectively.

Barangay Bagong Silang has a population of 261,729, accounting for 16 percent of Caloocan City’s population, based on the Philippine Statistics Authority census in 2020.

In a statement, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Commissioner Aimee Ferolino would be overseeing Saturday’s referendum, as its Commissioner-In-Charge for Plebiscites.

It said the command center for the plebiscite would be set up at the village hall.

Barangay 176 has a total of 85,846 registered voters.

Registered voters will be casting their votes in five voting centers – Bagong Silang Elementary School, Kalayaan Elementary School Kalayaan National High School, Silanganan Elementary School (Main) and Bagong Silang Public High School.

The Comelec has designated Bagong Silang Elementary School and Bagong Silang, Caloocan City as canvassing centers. (with Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)