Bets urged to inform cops ahead of visit

CEBU, Philippines —  A local police station commander has appealed to all the candidates coming to Cebu City to coordinate with the police before visiting a specific area for security arrangement and ensure that health protocols are observed.

Police Major Janelito Marquez, Labangon Police Station chief, made the appeal following presidential aspirant and Senator Manny Pacquiao’s visit to Barangay Tisa, Cebu City last Thursday.

Marquez said they were overwhelmed by the surge of people wanting to meet Pacquiao. He admitted that there was no proper security deployment plan since they were informed of the visit through the headquarters.

“Permiro han-ay pa kaayo, pero pagkanaog ni Pacquiao niduol naman ang uban, bisan ang media gani nagdasok na, unya nag sunod-sunod na, unya kay gamay ra kaayo ang area, duol ra sa dalan, na traffic ang mga motorista,” said Marquez.

Marquez said that health protocols were disregarded for approximately 3 to 5 minutes after Pacquiao alighted from his vehicle. The people were immediately dispersed by the police and the barangay tanods.

A throng of people rushed to the area after learning of Pacquiao’s arrival hoping to receive cash from the senator.

“So they are expecting nga basin ba nga naay kwarta maong nanuol,”said Marquez.

“Nagkadaghan ra gyud ang tawo katong nagpundo na sya...nagtapok ang nga motor,” he added.

According to Marquez, all the candidates planning to come here for their campaign sorties should coordinate with the local police.

“Supposedly mao gyud na sya kay dili man na sya basta-basta ang ingon ana, kay dili man sila mo-inform ahead of plan, gam-an pa man na namo og plan nga 2 hours before naa na dapat atong kapulisan sa area,” said Marquez.

“Mao gyud na sya among gihangyo sa nga politiko kay amo man na i-survey, samot na sa mga national aspirant official,” he added. — FPL (FREEMAN)