450 cops secure Antipolo special polls

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — Up to 450 police officers backed by force multipliers and members of the military are securing today’s special election in the second district of Antipolo City.

Col. Eleazar Barber Jr., Rizal police director, said everything is set for the voting intended for the replacement of congressman Romeo Acop who died in December.

All 36 polling centers and 308 clusters precincts will open at 5 a.m., prioritizing the elderly, persons with disability and pregnant women.

Aside from police and military personnel, members of the Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Fire Protection are helping to ensure a safe, orderly and peaceful conduct of the election.

Six candidates including a son of Acop are vying for the congressional post.

Malacañang declared a special non-working holiday in the second district of Antipolo to allow voters to participate in the electoral exercise.