ALL personnel of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 are now on standby after its alert status was raised from normal to full alert on Saturday, May 3, 2025, to ensure a safe election throughout Central Visayas.
The full alert status increases police readiness and deployment, as all personnel are not allowed to go on leave before and during the polls on Monday, May 12.
PRO 7 Director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said they are closely coordinating security measures with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other government agencies.
“We are committed to securing every polling center and ensuring that no threat disrupts the voice of the people,” he said.
All security units of the PRO 7, including the Reactionary Standby Support Force and the Quick Reaction Team, are prepared for deployment in Central Visayas.
PRO 7 urged the public to remain calm, report suspicious activities and cooperate with law enforcement agencies as the election nears.
In Cebu City, the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) convened the final City Joint Security Control Center meeting.
The meeting was led by Comelec representatives Ferdinand Gujilde and Ambongan Abillar, along with CCPO chief Col. Enrico Figueroa and officials from other government agencies.
The meeting addressed the deployment of police personnel and soldiers in the city’s 80 barangays for the polls.
The CCPO will further increase security in Cebu City starting Sunday, May 11, the day automated counting machines will be delivered to schools.
Police personnel will be assigned to escort teachers and ensure the safe arrival of these machines at voting places.
Earlier, the Comelec 7 classified 15 areas under the yellow category due to election-related concerns and political tensions.
Areas placed under the yellow category are Cebu City, Mandaue City, Daanbantayan, Argao, San Fernando, Dalaguete, Balamban and Dumanjug in Cebu, and San Miguel, Buenavista, Trinidad, Ubay, Inabanga, Tubigon and Tagbilaran City in Bohol.
Maranan assured they are prepared to maintain order and ensure that the election process proceeds peacefully across the region. / AYB