THE Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) has recalled a total of seven security personnel assigned to city officials.

Cocpo spokesperson Police Superintendent Mardy Hortillosa said they were recalled before the election period began on Sunday, January 13.

Hortillosa said politicians can still keep their police escorts, provided they have authorization from the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

"The local officials will have to apply before the Comelec and the Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG) and if they get authorization, that's when we release the police escorts they requested," he added.

Unlike in normal days, however, police escorts of local officials are limited.

The recall is part of the routine election ban prescribed by the Comelec to limit violence during the election period.

Only those politicians who have serious threats on their lives can make a case before the Comelec. They shall obtain a Certificate of Authority for Security Detail (CASD) for the police to employ escorts despite the ban.

"As of now, we haven't employed escorts so far to officials. We are still waiting for an order," Hortillosa added.