DCPO identifies 3 poll hotspots

THE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) identified three hotspots in the city with high possibility of occurrence of political violence due to presence of a lawless armed group.

“The area of concern still remains to be Paquibato, Marilog and Baguio District,” Police Chief Inspector Ma. Teresita Gaspan, DCPO spokesperson, said in an interview.

In the previous election, these areas were still identified as hotspots by the security forces after their assessment. However, she said that they are yet to consult with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in case they have newlyidentified hotspots in Davao City.

An area is considered as hotspot once there is a presence of enemy and possible conduct of diversionary tactics to stop or hamper the election process.

“There might be some atrocities that may happen that might affect the holding of election,” Gaspan said.

There are two categories for areas of concern. For the first category, these are areas that have a high possibility of politically-motivated incidents without the involvement of terror groups. The areas placed under the second category are those with presence or high risk of threat from

different armed groups. This April 23, Gaspan said they will be having a coordinating conference with the Commission on Election (Comelec) and other local security forces to iron out security measures for the peaceful and orderly conduct of the Barangay and Sangunniang Kabataan (SK) poll as well as to determine the final list of hotspot areas.

They have also conducted intensified checkpoints throughout the city in adherence to the Omnibus Election Parameters.

Since the gun ban has already taken effect last Saturday, April 14, she said they have not recorded violators. The gun ban will end on May 21.