Police to boost security in metro on election day

Police Deputy Director General Ager P Ontog Jr, Deputy Chief PNP for Operation/ Commander National Task Force SAFE 2013 gives out guidance regarding the deployment of PNP personnel in the field especially in areas vulnerable to attacks of lawless elements in response to the call for Secure and Fair Election (SAFE 2013). PNP.GOV.PH PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police said it would intensify security provisions in several areas in Metro Manila believed to have “intense political rivalry” among candidates for the midterm elections.

Deputy Director General Ager Ontog Jr., PNP deputy chief for operations and Task Force SAFE (Secure and Fair Elections) commander, said additional security forces will be sent to six areas in the National Capital Region where violence is likely to occur as the day of election approaches.

Ontog, however, refused to identify the six areas placed under PNP’s election watch list of areas, saying that the list is “confidential.”

“That is one of the characteristics of democracy. We can all express what’s inside of us and part of that is giving our platforms but sometimes we can’t avoid being passionate about them,” said Ontog in Filipino.

Without citing figures, Ontog said additional forces would include an officer-in-charge for faster response to violent incidents.

He said the team would submit situation reports to the National Capital Region Office.

Several people were injured when supporters of Taguig mayoral candidate Rica Tinga allegedly attempted to enter the Taguig City Hall over the weekend.

In Manila, hecklers threw stones during a political rally by Manila mayoral candidate and former President Joseph Estrada and re-electionist Vice Mayor Isko Moreno.