CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines – With the 2025 National and Local Elections fast approaching, the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) and the Leyte Provincial Joint Security Control Center (PJSCC) have intensified efforts to ensure the integrity, safety, and peaceful conduct of the polls on May 12.
On May 7, 2025, PRO-8 officially launched its Media Action Center (MAC) in a virtual ceremony led by Police Major Analiza C. Armeza, Officer-in-Charge of the Regional Public Information Office 8 (RPIO-8). The launch was attended by Public Information Officers (PIOs) from various police provincial offices across Eastern Visayas and is aligned with the nationwide activation of the PNP MAC in Camp BGen Rafael T. Crame, Quezon City.
The PRO-8 MAC will serve as the central hub for disseminating accurate, timely, and verified information to the media throughout the election period. It will facilitate the release of press statements, updates on social media, and media briefings from the Regional Director and Command Group. The MAC is also expected to enhance coordination between the National Election Monitoring Action Center (NEMAC) and the local and national press to ensure smooth communication before, during, and after the elections.
PRO-8 Regional Director PBGEN Jay R. Cumigad emphasized that the MAC plays a critical role in upholding transparency and strengthening public trust.
“The Media Action Center is an essential part of our election security efforts. It ensures openness, accurate communication, and swift information flow between the police and the public. We recognize the media’s vital role in protecting the integrity of the elections, and MAC will further solidify that partnership,” said PBGEN Cumigad.
The launch of the MAC follows PRO-8’s earlier activation of the Regional Election Monitoring and Action Center (REMAC) on January 12, 2025, at the start of the election period. The REMAC continues to monitor and respond to all election-related incidents across Eastern Visayas.
Meanwhile, the Leyte PJSCC convened on April 29 at Camp Downes in Ormoc City to finalize security measures for the province. The conference gathered key officials, including Col. Arlino Sendaydiego, Chief of Staff of the 8th Infantry Division and Commander of Task Force HOPE Eastern Visayas; Police Col. Dionisio Apas Jr., Director of the Leyte Police Provincial Office; and Atty. Ma. Goretti Caseñas-Cañas, Acting Provincial Election Supervisor.
Atty. Caseñas-Cañas expressed full confidence in the PJSCC’s preparations, citing strong coordination among the AFP, PNP, Philippine Coast Guard, and other stakeholders.
“We are confident that through our collective efforts, we can maintain the credibility and integrity of the electoral process,” she said.
The conference included updates from police chiefs of Leyte’s 3rd and 4th Districts—areas flagged by COMELEC as “yellow” (election areas of concern) and “orange” (areas of immediate concern). These updates included detailed security measures such as intensified patrols, checkpoints, and increased police visibility.
Col. Apas reassured the public:
“Expect more boots on the ground as part of our commitment to voter safety and election security.”
Col. Sendaydiego also guaranteed the protection of geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), emphasizing the safety of election personnel, especially teachers serving as poll workers.
“Our priority is to provide a secure environment in vulnerable areas and ensure the safety of all individuals involved in the elections,” he stated.
Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division, emphasized the critical need to safeguard both the electorate and the electoral process.
“Securing the transport and custody of ballots is essential in preserving the sanctity of the vote. This is how we uphold the will of the people,” he said, while reminding troops to remain neutral and nonpartisan throughout the election period.
The joint efforts of PRO-8, the Leyte PJSCC, and their partner agencies reflect the unified commitment to deliver safe, orderly, and credible elections in Eastern Visayas. | With Ricky Bautista / Samar Chronicle
