Police officers in patrol in Pasig City. FILE PHOTO/Niño Jesus Orbeta/Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines — Over 4,000 police personnel have been deployed to different political activities in the nation’s capital as the campaign period for local candidates starts on Friday.
The activities of local candidates in Metro Manila have been “peaceful” so far, according to National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) public information office chief LtCol. Jenny Tecson.
“Ito po yung unang araw ng pagsisimula ng campaign period for locally elected positions. Kung kaya’t ang ating pamunuan ng NCRPO (National Capital Region Police Office) ay nagtalaga ng mahigit 4,000 personnel para sa iba’t ibang programa ng campaign activity dito sa nasasakupan ng ating rehiyon,” Tecson said during a Laging Handa briefing.
(This is the first day of the campaign period for locally elected positions. That’s why the NCRPO deployed over 4,000 personnel to different campaign activities in the region.)
Tecson said the number of police personnel deployed to each area depends on the number of supporters attending their respective bets’ campaign activities.
“As of the present, may mga monitored tayo na nagko-conduct ng kanilang mga programa. Nakita naman natin na peaceful pa rin ‘yung mga nangyayaring aktibidades ng mga kandidato,” she added.
(As of present, we have monitored programs being conducted. We’ve seen that these activities are peaceful so far.)
Tecson assures that the NCRPO “is ready to patrol and monitor their area of responsibility.”
“Kaya tayo ay naglatag ng mga personnel upang sila ang mag-secure sa mga kandidato maging sa kanilang mga supporters,” she added.
(That’s why we deployed personnel to secure not only the candidates but also their supporters.)
Tecson has advised the public to stay vigilant amid the campaign activities and to continue observing minimum health standards despite the lowering of restrictions in Metro Manila.
She also advised the public to report to the police any suspicious actions they may observe in campaign activities.
Tecson also reminded candidates to help ensure the safety and security of their supporters.
“Sa part naman po ng ating mga kandidato, dapat maging responsable rin po sila, i-check po nila yung kanilang mga supporters,” Tecson said.
(As for candidates, they should be responsible and check on their supporters.)