WHILE there are places in Davao City which are listed as election watch list areas (Ewas), the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) assured that the upcoming midterm elections in Davao City will be safe and secure.
In an earlier report, some barangays in Toril, Tugbok, Marilog, Baguio, Calinan and Paquibato District were placed under election hotspots due to prevailing security although these areas were not specified.
“We identified areas of concern in Paquibato and Marilog, areas na previously known as influence area ng New People’s Army (NPA) but according to the 1003rd Infantry Brigade under Brigadier General [Ernesto] Torres, wala naman sighted na NPA operating in those areas,” Police Senior Superintendent Alexander Tagum, DCPO director, said Monday, February 18.
Tagum said 45 barangays are classified as areas of concern.
He added, “Presently maka-ingon mi sa Comelec, nga wala tay nakita na problema sa muabotay nga election (We can tell to the Commission on Election that we do not see any problem for the upcoming election).”
Tagum also warned his personnel to refrain from participating in partisan activities and remain apolitical to ensure a clean and honest election.
“Never engage in partisan politics because it is always the directive of has the Philippine National policed (PNP) that we cannot be involved in politics. We can only personally vote for our candidates but we cannot be openly involved in campaigning,” Tagum added.
As the campaign period for the national candidates started, DCPO is also in close coordination with the Comelec especially on possible election offenses such as placing campaign materials in prohibited areas and establishments.
“That is part of our partnership with Comelec. Pag inutusan nila kami to remove all prohibited campaign posters na nilagay sa mga prohibited areas, then definitely we will remove. I will personally coordinate with the Comelec so that we can start within this week,” Tagum said.