PNP to heighten security in poll hotspots ahead of barangay, SK elections
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) called for the Philippine National Police (PNP) to intensify its security measures, particularly in election hotspots, three weeks before the barangay and Sanguniang Kabataan (SK) elections on May 14.
“As the elections are drawing near, we expect that the political tension in the barangays will increase, especially among the candidates and their supporters. I therefore call on the PNP to conduct regular checkpoints and maintain police visibility as part of the measures to prevent election violence during the election period,” DILG Officer-in-Charge Secretary Eduardo M. Ano said in a statement on Wednesday, April 25.
PNP Chief Oscar D. Albayalde said: “We are already doing just that and we will intensify our visibility/sita and check point operations if need be.”
PNP also assured its preparedness in securing areas deemed as hotspots.
“Our deployed personnel are well prepared and are implementing the prescribed security measures based on the peculiarities of their respective areas,” PNP Spokesperson Police Chief Superintendent John C. Bulalacao said. — Minde Nyl R. Dela Cruz