CPPO: VCM security in place

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) director, Police Colonel Engelbert Soriano, revealed Tuesday that all security plans are now in place for the transfer of the Vote Counting Machines (VCM) to warehouses.

Soriano said that their security measures have been already planned for the transfer of the VCMs from the hubs going to the respected local government unit (LGUs).

"And as of this time na transport na yung ibang accessories nya, we are waiting for the VCMs na ipatawag kami na i-deliver," said Soriano.

The accessories that were delivered are the ballot boxes and the battery boxes.

This is also in coordination with the treasurer's office of the respective LGUs, and personnel of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

Soriano said they haven't received any memorandum yet to elevate the heightened alert status to full alert status.

The Province of Cebu has been in heightened alert status for the Lenten season.

Furthermore, Soriano said they haven't encountered any potential armed group yet in the province that might be utilized for election-related violence.

"Wala sa ngayon pero continuous yung monitoring namin, meron din kaming naririnig na mga raw information na may mga dumating na group of men na ganito, pero subject for verification, alam mo naman na pag ganitong mga season we always get that kind of information," said Soriano.

Soriano, however, refused to elaborate the details of this matter adding that verification is ongoing to determine if this information is true.

"We are peaceful, we also expect na peaceful tayo in election time," he added.

Over this, Soriano also assured that they will be closely securing the votes of the people, in general, to eliminate the worries of the political aspirants that their votes might be manipulated.

"Walang mangyayari na kung ano yung worry nila na mangyari, basta babantayan namin yung proseso," he said. —GMR (FREEMAN)