Cops deployed to secure canvassing of votes at PICC

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippine National Police has deployed policemen to secure the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, where the national canvassing of votes for the senatorial race was being held.

PHOTO/MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr., PNP spokesperson, said Tuesday that a total of 228 police officers were sent to the PICC to thwart any attempt to disrupt the canvassing of votes of the Commission on Elections sitting as National Board of Canvassers (NBOC).

Besides policemen, he said the Armed Forces of the Philippines also deployed 21 of its personnel to the area.

“As promised by PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima, we will continue to provide security coverage until the whole electoral exercise is completed,” Cerbo said in a news briefing at Camp Crame.

He said the PNP had assigned policemen to secure all canvassing areas and Comelec offices nationwide.

“Our policemen would also help protect election officers transporting PCOS machines and other election paraphernalia to the Comelec centers,” he said.