Police Lieutenant Colonel Janette Rafter, Deputy Director for Operations of the Cebu City Police Office, tells the public to show respect and to behave appropriately when voting on October 30, 2023. | Emmariel Ares
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Police here are reminding Cebu City voters to respect the political choices of others and to behave appropriately inside the polling stations on the day of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on October 30, 2023.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Janette Rafter, Deputy Director for Operations of the Cebu City Police Office (COPO) told reporters on Thursday, October 26, that the public is reminded to follow the rules on the day of the elections.
For a faster and hassle-free time at the polling station, Rafter also encouraged the public to bring with them a personal list of candidates they wish to vote for.
“Sa mga polling places, atong respetuhon. Sa mga botante, atong irespeto kung kinsay choice, kinsay gusto sa atong isig ka-botante. Let us go there, mas mayo unta og naa na silay listahan, para mapadali, especially kanang dagko nga mga eskwelahan,” she stated.
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Rafter also said that they are appealing to the voters to help the authorities in making sure that the peace and order will not be disturbed by behaving properly.
“So again, naa tay mga kapulisan. We appeal to the public nga let us always cooperate with whatever is the instructions. Especially gyud, let us not obstruct the traffic. And kita mismo sa atong kaugalingon pud, let us observe nga we can help in the maintenance of order gud diha sa atoang moa tagsa-tagsa ka mga polling places,” she said.
To avoid being victimized by thieves during election day where a significant number of individuals are expected to gather in polling stations, Rafter reminded the public to be vigilant and look after their belongings.
“Let us be cautious pud sa atong mga gamit, atong mga personal effects especially mga cellphone…As much as possible, kung pwede, dili ang mga mahalon nga mga gamit ipakita-kita diha sa atong mga kadalanan kay it will always attract mga criminal minds nga mokuha gyug oportunidad,” she said.
According to Rafter, out of the 947 policemen that will be deployed for election-related duties in the city, a total of 142 officers will be augmented to secure the different polling stations.
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A total of 80 personnel from the CCPO were sent to the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) which deployed the officers to different parts of Central Visayas on Monday, October 23.
She added that they have already begun minimal deployment such as at the City Treasurer’s Office where the accountable forms and non-accountable forms for the election were deposited.
Rafter disclosed that the ballot boxes are now in the Cebu City Hall.
After the Barangay SK elections, the deployed police officers will be extending their work starting on the dawn of October 31 to also secure the observation of Kalag-Kalag on November 1 and 2, according to Rafter. /rcg
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