Augmentation cops to CPPO recalled

CEBU, Philippines —  The more than 400 police personnel augmented to Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) to secure the May 9 elections have been recalled to their mother units effective yesterday.

Police Colonel Engelbert Soriano, CPPO director, said the 406 augmentation personnel are either back to the training center in Consolacion or at the Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 headquarters.

Soriano, however, said the augmentation force in Bantayan Island and Cebu south are still in place.

"May naiwan pa kaming isang team dyan, para lang po hindi biglaan na ma pull out namin lahat sila," said Soriano.

The CPPO conducted on Thursday the culmination program of their election deployment.

"Ang messages ko nga po doon ay we gave Cebu the most peaceful elections in recent history, and alam naman po natin na wala tayong reported deaths, or anything na related sa election," said Soriano

Soriano also expressed his gratitude to the personnel on the ground of their sacrifice and dedication.

According to Soriano, they only received minor and minimal incident reports during the election season. They however received reports of vote buying on the eve of the election but none have been confirmed.

"Pero upon verification wala naman po, mga gathering of supporters lang ito, usually sa mga areas kung saan may bahay ng kapitan, bahay ng kagawad, o kaya barangay hall, ito yung mga gatherings," said Soriano.

Soriano also said that the safe and peaceful outcome of the elections was an indication that Cebuanos are cooperative even before the deployment of the police on the grounds. Soriano also expressed gratitude to other law enforcement agencies in the province.

"My sincere gratitude to all the Sugbuanon, at sa lahat ng tumolong sa atin," he said. — FPL (FREEMAN)