DILG to PNP: Step up checkpoints for barangay, SK polls this May

As the nation braces for the upcoming barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to intensify its checkpoints especially in so-called election hotspots.

DILG Officer-In-Charge Secretary Eduardo Año issued the instruction on Wednesday to support the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in its administration of the upcoming local elections this May 14.

“As the elections are drawing near, we expect that the political tension in the barangays will increase, especially among the candidates and their supporters,” Año said in a statement.

“I therefore call on the PNP to conduct regular checkpoints and maintain police visibility as part of the measures to prevent election violence during the election period,” he added.

Año said the responsibility of ensuring a safe and peaceful environment during the elections lies primarily on the hands of the police.

“Let us prove that democracy is still working in our country by ensuring a safe, secure and orderly barangay and SK elections,” he said.

According to Año, President Rodrigo Durterte signed on Friday Memorandum Order No. 21 in concurrence with Comelec Resolution 10207, which deputized the military and police to ensure “the free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible conduct” of the village polls.

The 1987 Constitution requires the President, as the military and police commander-in-chief, to concur with Comelec in the use of military and the PNP during elections.

Last week, PNP Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde appealed to the public for “understanding and cooperation” as it implements stricter inspections at checkpoints.

“Sa mga tao natin (To our people), we would like to appeal for their understanding and cooperation. Para po sa atin lahat iyan (It’s for us all), remember we have the gun ban now,” he said.
READ:  Albayalde asks for ‘understanding and cooperation’ at Comelec checkpoints

Año said the PNP should focus and deploy more personnel to areas in the country that have a history of election-related violent incidents (ERVIs).

Earlier, the PNP has included 5,744 barangays nationwide in its elections watchlist, excluding those from Metro Manila.

Of this number, 2,025 barangays belong to Category 1 where the rivalry among candidates is intense, there is a history of election-related violence, and private armed groups (PAGs) are present.

Meanwhile, 3,448 barangays are in Category 2, where there is intense rivalry among candidates, a history of election-related violence, and PAGs and armed threats are present.  In Category 3, the PNP listed 271 barangays, where all critical factors exist, including the proliferation of loose firearms and the activities of criminal gangs.

According to the PNP, 182 barangays in ARMM, 48 in Bicol, and 37 in Soccsksargen belong to Category 3.

Año said the PNP should also be on the lookout for undocumented and unlicensed firearms as the gun ban started last April 14. The gun ban takes effect until June 14.

“The President needs allies in the barangays to lead the campaign against crime, illegal drugs and corruption,” Año said.
“Let us make this happen on May 14 and make sure that our people will be secure and safe as they go out and vote for barangay leaders who will make change happen in the barangays,” he added.   /kga