The Philippine National Police (PNP) has recorded 28 election-related violence across the country so far ahead of the May 14 elections.
Twenty two of which resulted in deaths of candidates and supporters.
According to PNP Chief Police Director General Oscar Albayalde, though they have intensified police visibility and checkpoints, violence during this period are inevitable.
“Mas mainit iyang barangay election talaga. Alam naman natin may halong kamag-a- kamag-anak iyan. May halong emosyon,” Albayalde said.
(Barangay elections are really more intense. We all know that it involves clans so emotions are also involved.)
Currently, over 7,000 areas are considered as election watch list areas (EWAs) of the Commission on Elections (Comelec.)
Over 600 of which are red-coded due to intense political rivalry. They are areas in Abra, Masbate, Bulacan and Mindanao.
“We really have to intensify una, iyong aming Oplan Sita, ang aming checkpoint operation at iyong pag-implement ng gun ban,” the PNP Chief said.
(We really have to intensify primarily our Oplan Sita, our checkpoint operation and the implementation o the gun ban.)
The PNP is asking the public to remain calm to help achieve a peaceful and clean election.
A total of 160,000 cops will be deployed across the country to secure the safety of voters and teachers who will serve as election officers. — Bryan Lacanlale | UNTV News & Rescue
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