PNP takes steps to reduce election violence

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine National Police is stepping up efforts to thwart election-related killings and other incidents of political violence  a year before the midterm elections in 2013, officials said Friday.

PNP Director General Nicanor A. Bartolome activated the “National Committee for HOPE 2013″—the acronym stands for honest, orderly and peaceful elections—as well as equivalent task forces at the regional, provincial and municipal levels.

As per his Letter of Instruction 18/2012, the PNP chief ordered all units to implement strictly laws and regulations related to the bearing and carrying of firearms through the setting up of more checkpoints and “chokepoints” in strategic areas.

“Additionally, the PNP shall strictly enforce regulations on the provision of protective security detail to candidates, including the bearing and carrying of firearms by government security forces and authorized individuals,” Bartolome said.

He also directed his men to focus on “legal offensives to ensure that the offenders are properly charged in court and to build airtight cases against those who defy the law.”

In a statement, PNP Community Relations Group acting director Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. said the involvement of the community would be necessary in blocking election-related violence in the country.

He reminded the public to “remain vigilant and responsive to any unscrupulous activity that may impede the peaceful conduct of the May elections.”