PNP seeks public cooperation in conduct of orderly polls

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Dir. Gen. Oscar D. Albayalde appealed to the public on Monday to cooperate with authorities to ensure a peaceful and orderly conduct of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections.

Albayalde said the upcoming polls may cause conflict among candidates and families because the rivalries are close to home.

While the PNP is doing its best to secure the villages, he said candidates and incumbent officials seeking re-election must remain calm.

“Let us conduct this election in a very peaceful manner,” he added.

Data from the PNP show that since the start of the election period, 21 people have already been killed.

Albayalde said the government is “doing everything” to curb violence in the upcoming polls, including the massive deployment of troops to polling centers.

The PNP, the Commission on Elections, the Department of Education, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Health and other agencies signed an agreement on Monday for cooperation in the conduct of a peaceful and orderly elections and to protect poll workers.

The agencies also declared May 7 as the National Day of Prayer.

After five years and two postponements, the government has given the green light for the holding of the village election on May 14, 2018. /ee