Baguio reports zero crime during Monday’s elections

BAGUIO CITY — Baguio City recorded zero crimes during Monday’s elections, according to the Baguio City police, prompting authorities to declare the elections as generally peaceful.

Col. Ruel D. Tagel, the city’s police director, attributed the success to efficient planning and the strategic deployment of police personnel.

The Baguio police began intensifying security operations months before the May 12 elections to ensure the safety and security of the electorate.

With over 160,000 registered voters, Baguio City saw at least 775 policemen deployed across the city's 128 barangays to enhance visibility.

The police also maintained round-the-clock monitoring to swiftly address any emerging concerns during the elections.

Tagel revealed that quick response teams and a reactionary standby support force were also on hand to address emergency situations and provide reinforcements at polling centers when needed.

He claimed that the security operations were conducted in close coordination with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and partner agencies to reflect a strong multi-agency collaboration that proved vital in preserving law and order during Monday’s exercise.

The Baguio police chief believed that one of the major factors in the generally peaceful situation in the city during Monday’s elections was the public’s discipline and active cooperation, coupled with aggressive information campaigns on election laws and guidelines.

Tagel also pointed out that the level of preparation months before the elections even allowed the Baguio police to send 90 policemen to augment government troops in Abra.