Tighter security in Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu

Police in the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu will be conducting more checkpoints and patrols as part of security preparations leading to Monday’s elections.

Police will also be visiting retail stores to brief owners of the two-day liquor ban, Senior Supt. Rey Lyndon Lawas, chief of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LLCPO).

The liquor ban will start on Sunday.

Lawas said 776 personnel of LLCPO will be deployed in different polling centers on Monday.

There will be increased police visibility in public places, Lawas said.

Lawas said the existing police personnel in barangay Punta Engaño will be reinforced due to the place’s history of violence in the 2010 elections, a violent confrontation between supporters of two opposing politicians led to the shooting and killing of a supporter and driver of Angel Rodriguez, then a candidate for barangay captain.

Lawas said the Lapu-Lapu police are prepared for any untoward incidents that may occur on the election day.

In Mandaue City, 407 policemen will deployed in voting centers and some streets on election day.

Senior Supt. Petronille Baldebrin, director of Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO), said 104 policemen were assigned to secure Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines in different public schools.

Baldebrin said the MCPO decided not to request reinforcement from the Armed Forces and Regional Public Safety Management Battalion (RPSMB) since they tapped 54 Field Training Police (FTP) to help ensure peace on Monday.

The AFP-Cental Command is willing to provide reinforcement if needed, said Baldebri.

Baldebrin said the 51 operatives of the motorcycle police will be mobilized to secure the city’s commercial and financial establishments as well as the public places.