THE DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure the safety and security of local officials and candidates even before the campaign period starts for the May midterm elections. “The PNP should take offensive and preventive measures. We should be several steps ahead of those who resort to violence to win an election,” said DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año in a statement on Wednesday, citing the recent killings of AKO Bicol Party-list Rep. Rodel M. Batocabe and former mayor Joelito Talaid of Kadingilan, Bukidnon last December. Mr. Año also said that the PNP-Police Community Relations Group will soon be coming out with the “Handbook on Personal Security for Candidates to Government Elective Positions,” which gives useful precautionary tips to candidates and their security teams as they carry out their campaign during the election season. “The police cannot secure every single candidate or citizen every single moment of the day,” he said. Meanwhile, PNP Spokesperson Senior Supt. Benigno Durana Jr. reported that 83 have so far been arrested nationwide since the election gun ban took effect last Jan. 13. — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras

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