17 places eyed as areas of concern

The Philippine National Police recommended 17 places in Cebu to be categorized under areas of concern as part of their security preparations for the midterm elections on May 13.

This was brought up during the Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC) meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 26.

RJSCC is composed of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Police Regional Office 7 and Armed Forces of the Philippines-Central Command.

Acting Cebu Provincial Election Supervisor Jerome Brillan- tes did not divulge the names of municipalities and cities, but requested the police to reassess their recommendation, as he is not yet convinced that these should be placed under areas of concern.

He said placing a municipality under an area of concern means the place has intense political rivalry and the presence of armed groups. Those placed under areas of concern are considered under the orange alert level.

“I want it to be reviewed thoroughly,” Brillantes said.

Brillantes also recommended to the RJSCC to allow the deployment of additional police and military personnel in San Fernando to secure the public school teachers because some of them are afraid to serve in the elections, following the murders of incumbent town officials.

The places under orange alert level need three police or military officers to secure the schools where the voting will take place.

San Fernando was placed under red alert level due to the killings of aspiring elective officials there.

“That’s what I promised to our EBs (electoral boards). Some of them are fearful. We will take care of them,” Brillantes said. /