6 Metro LGUs closely watched

Six areas in Metro Manila are under tight watch by the Philippine National Police ahead of Monday’s elections.

Deputy Director General Ager Ontog, commander of the PNP National Task Force SAFE 2013, declined to identify the six local government units, but said “intense political rivalries” prompted the police to keep an eye on them.

“We apologize because we cannot mention them but the NCRPO (National Capital Region Police Office) is ready to address whatever problems there would be in these areas,” Ontog told reporters at Camp Crame Friday.

The PNP clarified that these six areas had not been declared election hotspots or areas of concern.

An intelligence officer also explained that the PNP was not naming these LGUs since it usually draws protests from concerned local officials.

As of May 9, the police have received reports of 66 election-related disturbances nationwide that left 42 people dead.

In the 2010 presidential elections, there were 176 reported incidents with 54 fatalities. In the 2007, 229 incidents of poll-related violence killed 121 people.

Citing the lower figures this year, Interior Secretary Mar Roxas said credit may be given to the PNP’s early preparations and the peace covenants it initiated among rival political camps.