Policemen attend a gathering at the quadrangle of the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7). | File photo
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Authorities here said that security preparations for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections and Kalag-Kalag 2023 are now in place.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Ace Pelare, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office Central Visayas (PRO-7), said that they will especially ensure police visibility in areas where large crowds are expected.
This was also the instructions given by PRO-7 Director Police Brigadier General Anthony Aberin.
“The police are very well-prepared in making sure nga kung dili man gani tanan areas mabutangan [og police], katong areas of convergence mabutangan [gyud],” Pelare said.
Pelare said “red teams” that will consist personnel from the city, provincial and regional headquaters, will also be deployed.
“Red teams” are tasked to conduct red teaming operations wherein they will assess a particular situation and provide intelligence monitoring.
Deployment
Pelare said that they will start to deploy at least 12, 000 personnel to secure the BSKE on October 30. Deployment will be shifted to focus on cemeteries for the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day celebrations on November 1 and 2, respectively.
In addition, they will also be sending personnel to monitor activities in malls, beaches, pawnshops and other commercial establishments. He said that people are expected to crowd these areas due to the long holiday.
“Ang atong ipangbutang sa election will be carried out sa Undas 2023. Diretso na and we will not only be securing cemeteries for the Undas but we will also be securing business establishments. We will also be securing mga tourist destinations, mga malls, mga beaches because people will be going home to their respective provinces,” Pelare said.
Practice caution
So far, Pelare said they have not detected the presence of criminals or criminals groups who may want to cause trouble in the region.
But this should not be a reason to be complacent. He urged the public to continue to practice caution, especially when in public and crowded places.
“Kining panahona, this is also an opportune time sa mga criminals nga mo-perpetuate sila sa ilang actions. So ayaw mo kaayo pag 100% kampante nga naay pulis diha,” he said.
“We know na naa gyud role ang community. Do not allow yourselves to become victims of crimes,” he added.
RELATED STORIES:
Day 1 of campaign for Barangay and SK elections ‘successful and peaceful’ – CCPO
Only 24 barangays in CV left as election areas of concern – Pelare
Barangay and SK Elections: Central Visayas now 90% ready
How to find your precinct number for Barangay, SK elections