Comelec, PNP, AFP check "tension-filled" areas

CEBU, Philippines – They refused to divulge the names of the places yet, but authorities identified 15 areas which have "political tension" in relation to the upcoming barangay and youth elections this October.

Other than political tension, the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the 78th Infantry Batallion are also monitoring areas which experienced trouble in the last May elections.

Provincial Election Supervisor Lionel Marco Castillano revealed that he already met yesterday with Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) Director Erson Digal and Lt. Col. Nolasco Mempin of the 78th IB to prepare for the upcoming elections.

He said they discussed things that needed to be changed, maintained or improved to avoid problems this October.

There are 7,074 clustered precincts in the province. Each clustered precinct has about 400 voters.

Digal said that the security they gave to the public last May election will be the same for the barangay election.

A gun ban will be imposed starting September 25.

Digal added that he will ask for additional force from the 78th IB if needed.

Lt. Col. Mempin said that they are always ready to assist the PNP and that they have enough men to deploy to various municipalities if necessary.

He said that they could also ask help from the Central Command.

On the other hand, Castillano said that the upcoming election will not be that hard to monitor since it will be manual, which the COMELEC and teachers are already used to.

He said that people need not to worry since the winner in the barangay elections will be proclaimed before the ballots are transferred to the municipality. (FREEMAN)