PNP ordered to intensify conduct of checkpoints in election hotspots

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) officer-in-charge (OIC) Eduardo M. Añohas ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to intensify the conduct of regular checkpoints and other security measures in all election hotspots around the country considering the approaching Barangay and SangPARIS

guinangKabataan (SK) elections on May 14, 2018.

As of the latest assessment, the PNP has reported that there are 7,544 election hotspot areas around the country.

Añoissued the directive as political tension will likely increase in the barangays among warring candidates and their supporters.

To prevent the escalation of election-related violence, Añodirected the PNP to regularly man the checkpoints in strategic areas and heighten police visibility.

“The responsibility of ensuring a safe and peaceful environment where citizens will be able to exercise their right to vote lies primarily on the shoulders of the police. Let us prove that democracy is still working in our country by ensuring a safe, secure, and orderly barangay and SK elections,” said Año.

The DILG chief issued the order in support of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the performance of its duties and functions in the coming synchronized elections.

Last Friday, President Durterte signed Memorandum Order 21 in concurrence with Comelec Resolution 10207, which deputized the military and police to ensure “the free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible conduct” of the village polls.

The Constitution requires the President, as the military and police commander-in-chief, to concur with Comelec in the use of military and the PNP during elections.

Año said the PNP should focus and deploy more personnel to areas in the country which have a history of electionrelated violent incidents (ERVIs).

The PNP has included 5,744 barangays nationwide on its elections watch-list areas, excluding those from Metro Manila.

Of this number, 2,025 barangays belong to Category 1 where the rivalry among candidates is intense, there is a history of election-related violence, and private armed groups (PAGs) are present.

Meanwhile, 3,448 barangays are in Category 2, where there is intense rivalry among candidates, a history of election-related violence, and PAGs and armed threats are present.

In Category 3 are 271 barangays, where all critical factors exist, including the proliferation of loose firearms and the activities of criminal gangs.

According to the PNP, 182 barangays in ARMM, 48 in Bicol, and 37 in Soccsksargen belong to Category 3.

Año said the PNP should also be on the lookout for undocumented and unlicensed firearms as the gun ban has already started last April 14 and will last until June 14.

“The President needs allies in the barangays to lead the campaign against crime, illegal drugs, and corruption. Let us make this happen on May 14 and make sure that our people will be secure and safe as they go out and vote for barangay leaders who will make change happen in the barangays,” he concluded.