Security forces have been strengthened nationwide for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) today, October 30, in which millions of Filipinos will cast their votes for the next barangay officials.

With the postponement of the BSKE due to the COVID-19 pandemic, over 336,000 council positions were on the line, despite villages being the lowest-level government unit.

It may be a low level, but the council posts are crucial, as the officials serve as the bridge that connects the barangay to the national local government units for easier access to providing assistance in any situation.

Being traditionally volatile, the election season in the Philippines needs to impose a gun and liquor ban to avoid crimes prior to and during the election proper.

Before the election day, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Sunday that there were already 30 confirmed incidents of election-related violence, which is lower than the 35 recorded in 2018.

According to the police data, eight people have been slain and seven were injured in poll-related violence between August 28 and October 25.

Moreover, Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman George Garcia said on Sunday that two schools that are supposedly used as polling stations were deliberately set on fire on Saturday, October 28.

Meanwhile, over 67 million registered voters are expected to cast their votes for the BSKE 2023, choosing the next barangay leaders who will be responsible for the implementation of national policies, resolve disputes in the neighborhood, and provide public service.