Cops keeping close eye on Comelec offices

CEBU, Philippines - Police units all over the province were ordered to monitor their respective Commission on Elections offices until midnight yesterday. 

Cebu Provincial Police Office director Jesus Gaquing also directed his men to submit to him an hourly assessment of their areas since Nov. 20, the first day of the filing of the Certificate of Candidacy.

The CPPO director said they are conducting close monitoring to prevent another incident like what happened in 2007 wherein the mayoral candidate of Sta. Fe in Bantayan Island, Rogelio Ilustrisimo Sr., was shot dead outside the Comelec office.

Gaquing however said that Comelec offices in the province are not difficult to guard because the offices are attached to their respective municipal halls where police stations are also situated.

Meanwhile, Cebu City Police Office Director Patrocinio Comendador said policemen have been detailed outside the Comelec office since the filing of candidacies as a standing order from the Police Regional Office-7.

More beat patrol policemen were sent out starting yesterday to secure the office or the candidates from any attack.

“We have security in place,” Comendador said.

The CCPO-Task Force Colon’s jurisdiction has also been extended up to the Waterfront police station, Comendador said.

Both police directors will notify their assessments today. – Niña G. Sumacot/BRP   – (FREEMAN NEWS)