The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will meet with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure a peaceful Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) in Negros Oriental.

In an interview, Comelec chairperson, George Garcia, said the AFP has no report yet on whether the province should be considered an election hotspot or not.

“Magkakaroon pa kami ng tinatawag na command conference. Mangyayari ‘yan sa month of July,” he said.

Garcia made the statement on the sidelines of his attendance at the House committee hearing over the situation of Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr., who remains out of the country.

Teves is one of the suspects in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and others last March 4.

Although Garcia did not give details during the hearing of the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges, he said included in the discussion is the preparation of the Comelec for the BSKE in the province.

“Magpapa-hearing muna tayo sa lahat ng bayan at barangays sa bawat lugar sa Negros upang alamin ang sentimyento ng ating kababayan,” he said.

Garcia said the duration of such a consultation will last for a month, which will start in June.

He maintained that the Comelec desired to conduct an orderly BSKE in Negros Oriental.

“Sinabi natin ang ating posisyon. We are so supportive of any initiative na magkaroon ng isang peaceful, credible elections sa probinsya ng Negros,” he added. (PNA)