Comelec imposes curfew in Negros Oriental for BSKE 2023

A curfew will be enforced throughout the province of Negros Oriental from October 28 to October 31, 2023, to ensure public safety during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Wednesday.

The Comelec said the curfew hours will take effect from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. of the following day. During this period, no persons will be allowed outside, except for employees whose work requires them to travel during these hours including call center agents, and healthcare workers.

Proof of employment and other similar supporting documents should be presented to authorized law enforcers for clearance.

Violators will be apprehended for the duration of the curfew hours and will be released at 5 a.m.

The Comelec Regional Joint Security Control Center will implement the curfew as part of its efforts to prevent “vote-buying, threats, intimidation, and violence” against voters, candidates, and election workers during the BSKE.

On Tuesday, the poll body assumed control over Negros Oriental for the forthcoming elections.

A total of 361 barangays were placed under the “red category” or areas of grave concern for the BSKE as of October 20, data from Comelec showed.

The BSKE will be held on October 30. — Sundy Locus/BM, GMA Integrated News