2,000 cops pulled out from Taal-affected areas

MANILA, Philippines — At least 2,000 personnel of the Reactionary Standby Support Force deployed around Taal Volcano in Batangas were pulled out yesterday.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa said the withdrawal of the police contingent is in compliance with President Duterte’s directive.

Duterte on Wednesday ordered the withdrawal of police officers and soldiers in areas affected by Taal Volcano’s unrest as he expressed concern that their health could have been compromised due to exposure to ash.

The police officers were advised to undergo medical checkup at the PNP General Hospital at Camp Crame.

“They have to be checked for lung ailment or any kind of disease,” PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac told a press briefing.

Banac said the Calabarzon and local police have enough personnel to secure and assist communities affected by the volcano’s activity in coordination with local government units.

At least 600 police officers are working in shifts to conduct patrols, provide traffic assistance and secure commercial establishments in Batangas.

Voter registration

Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said voter registration in areas within Taal Volcano’s 14-kilometer danger zone would resume next week.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said voter registration would resume on Monday in Alitagtag, Balete, Laurel, Lemery, San Nicolas, Sta. Teresita, Taal, Talisay, Cuenca, Lipa City, Tanauan City, Balayan, Calaca, Calatagan, Tuy, San Luis, Mabini, Lian and Malvar in Batangas and Alfonso, Indang, Silang, Tagaytay City and Amadeo in Cavite.

In Mataasnakahoy in Batangas, voter registration will resume on Feb. 10. 

Voter registration in these areas was suspended on Jan. 20 due to Taal Volcano’s continuing unrest.

The Comelec is conducting voter registration nationwide until Sept. 30, 2021 for the May 2022 elections.

A total of 105,676 applications have been processed, the poll body said. – With Mayen Jaymalin