450 cops sent off for election duty

Police personnel on training in the Regional Training School (RTS) in Cebu got a break from their classes.

A total of 450 police officers enrolled in the RTS were fielded for election duties in different parts of Central Visayas which are the Election Watchlist Areas (Ewas) of the Comelec.

Most of the PNP officers were sent to Negros Oriental, Bohol and Siquijor provinces.

They will reinforce policemen in watchlist areas, said Senior Supt. Erson Digal, chief of Regional Operations and Plans Division.

In Central Visayas, Bohol needs more policemen to meet the ideal ratio of two police officers per polling precinct even with the extra personnel from the RTS.

To make up for the shortage, anti-crime volunteers will assist them, said Senior Supt. Constantino Barot, Bohol provincial police chief.

After a send-off ceremony yesterday, the police officers boarded buses headed to their election assignments.

Senior Supt. Edward Carranza, chief of staff of Police Regional Office-7, urged the police officers to do their duties religiously.

Last Wednesday, Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command sent off more than 3,000 soldiers for election duty throughout Central Visayas.