Police start security review for 2016 polls

CEBU, Philippines –  The Police Regional Office-7 has started its assessment on possible areas of concerns in Central Visayas for the coming 2016 elections.

Senior Superintendent Rey Lyndon Lawas, chief of the directorial staff, said all city and provincial directors have been directed to submit the list of all the candidates within their areas of responsibility. 

Lawas said this is part of the process to determine the areas that may possibly be considered hotly contested. 

According to him, right now it is still premature to say what areas in the region need additional security for the elections.

“We are having our periodic assessment as far as election is concerned,” said Lawas.

He said the police are also preparing to give security escorts to candidates who might need it. Lawas, however, explained that a request should be filed and have to be approved by the Commission on Elections pursuant to the Comelec resolution.

“It was stated there nga kung naa gyu’y threat to life ani niang mga kandidato, they should file a formal request to the Comelec,” said Lawas.

Lawas also said that based on the calendar of activities provided by the Comelec, the gun ban will start in January.

Police personnel who have relatives running for public office in their place of assignment will have also to be transferred to another place. The police official has warned all policemen to stay apolitical or face administrative sanctions. —/FPL  (FREEMAN)