THE Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO 7) is gearing up for the start of the local campaign period on March 28, 2025, by deploying personnel to prevent conflicts between supporters of rival candidates during the heated election season.
Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, the Central Visayas police chief, said they have been preparing since last year in coordination with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
PRO 7 has already conducted five Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC) meetings led by Comelec 7 to assess the situation across the region as the local campaign nears.
Maranan urged candidates to follow Comelec regulations and adhere to all national laws to ensure a peaceful, orderly, and honest election on May 12, 2025.
He also revealed that out of the 33 areas of concern in Central Visayas, only 28 areas remain under close watch due to election-related incidents.
These include municipalities and cities in Negros Oriental, which are classified under the yellow category.
Meanwhile, two areas are under the red category due to heightened security risks: La Libertad town and Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental, along with one area in Bohol.
No areas in Cebu are under special monitoring.
Maranan said that PRO 7 is strictly monitoring its personnel to prevent any involvement in partisan politics.
He warned that any police officer proven to be influenced by politicians will face serious consequences and legal charges.
To prevent conflicts of interest, the police officers with relatives running for office were transferred to different locations last month.
"Mahigpit na mahigpit tayo dyan if you re talking about higpit. As a matter of fact, months ago, yung lahat ng police officers na may relatives up to fourth civil degree ay nailipat na natin duon sa lugar na hindi sila maka empluwensya sa outcome ng election at bukas po ang ating tanggapan, ang ating communication line sa lahat ng mga tao na gustong magbigay ng information kung may mga police tayo na sa tingin nila na lumalabag sa lahat ng patakaran at hindi tayo mag to-tolerate kailan man kung may mga ebidensya. We will act accordingly," said Maranan.
(We are very strict on this matter. In fact, months ago, we reassigned all police officers with relatives up to the fourth civil degree to areas where they cannot influence the election outcome. Our office and communication lines are open to the public for any reports of police misconduct. We will not tolerate violations, and if there is evidence, we will act accordingly.)
PRO 7 will also provide area security during campaign events to protect all candidates, regardless of their political affiliation.
Maranan also said that PRO 7 is monitoring the programs organized by supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte on March 28, 2025, in celebration of his 80th birthday.
While supporters are expected to hold various activities, Maranan confirmed that no threats have been detected related to the event. (AYB)