CEBU has no election areas of concerns for the midterm polls on May 12, 2025, according to a police official.
However, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has identified 14 local government units (LGUs) in Negros Oriental and two in Bohol as election hotspots, according to Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, the newly installed director of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7.
Maranan revealed these information in a press conference with Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia at the City Hall on Monday morning, Jan. 27.
Formerly part of Central Visayas, Negros Oriental is now a province under the Negros Island Region following the enactment of the law creating the region in 2024. However, PRO 7 is still supervising peace and order in the province, as the establishment of government agencies for the new region is still underway.
According to Maranan, 14 areas in Negros Oriental and two in Bohol are classified as election hotspots due to potential threats from criminal gangs and private armed groups.
To address these concerns, 200 additional police officers will be deployed to maintain peace and order.
The police official did not divulge the names of the LGUs.
Maranan said that even though Cebu has no identified election hotspots, the police will continue to ensure public safety.
He plans to personally oversee the implementation of security programs in hotspot areas, citing the Teves group in Negros Oriental as a particular concern. He is referring to the group of former lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr., who is accused of being the mastermind behind the assassination of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo in 2023.
The regional director said he will also hold police commanders accountable for their performance in securing their areas.
“Performance-based, nothing else and nothing more. If you are performing good and if you are doing your job, then you are staying there,” he said.
Maranan emphasized a security strategy focused on enhanced police visibility, quick response times, anti-illegal drug operations and collaboration with local officials. This approach will guide all police units, including those in smaller stations.
Maranan will visit other incumbent public officials in Central Visayas.
During his courtesy visit to Garcia, Maranan acknowledged the City Government’s support for the PNP. The police official was accompanied by Cebu City Police Office Director Col. Enrico Figueroa and Councilor Joel Garganera.
Garcia said the City has provided eight police vehicles, 40 long firearms and ammunition since his term began.
“We always give what we can as long as we can. Our partnership with the PNP is vital in maintaining peace and order in Cebu City,” Garcia said in a mix of Cebuano and English. (JPS)