Saturday, March 31, 2007 Police to secure bets who request protection
THE start of the campaign period for local candidates will keep local police on their toes, as they will provide security to candidates who will ask for it during rallies.
But Senior Supt. Carmelo Valmoria said the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) will not get additional personnel until a few days before the election.
For now, policemen in stations will have to serve as security personnel for candidates who will campaign in their jurisdiction.
Valmoria said some candidates have already approached them about their activities and reminded them of the problems they encountered in past elections.
Police personnel and election officers are continuously conducting checkpoints to stop gun ban violators.
As for finalizing the list of election areas of concern, Valmoria said they are still keeping an eye on the towns of Madridejos, Daanbantayan, Santander, Tuburan and Tabuelan.
History
These towns have a history of intense political rivalry, election-related violence and armed encounters with communist rebels. But this is not a final list as police are still assessing the activities of the candidates of each town.
Valmoria is also waiting for police chiefs to submit a list of personnel with relatives who are candidates. These policemen will have to be transferred.
Valmoria also advised candidates to make sure they clear with the Commission on Elections regarding police security.
“I have already advised candidates and incumbent officials, especially local chief executives, to make a request to Chairman (Benjamin) Abalos,” he told reporters.
The Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame issued guidelines stating that each candidate is allowed only two police bodyguards.
But in extreme cases, wherein the candidate faces serious threats, a maximum of five guards is allowed.
He also warned politicians against paying “fees” imposed by the New People’s Army (NPA), saying they should not give in to these demands.
‘Extortion’
While no politician has approached them about the NPAs demanding permit to campaign fees, they expect this to happen.
Aside from permit to campaign fees, NPA rebels are also reportedly asking for money “guaranteeing victory” for the candidate in a certain polling precinct.
“Once you give in to them, even if you win, they will continue demanding money from you. If you give your hand, they will take your arm. In simple language, it’s extortion,” Valmoria said. (MEA)
