Mandaue on EWAS due to intense rivalry

CEBU, Philippines — The Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) said that the city is included on the election watchlist areas (EWAs) because of intense political rivalry.

MCPO Director Julian Entoma said that the situation during the campaign period next year might become tense.

But for now, the city is under yellow category which means the area has a low level of political heat and that the situation is manageable.

"This is a preparation in case magkainit ang panahon sa election," Entoma said.

Entoma added that they can request for additional police personnel from the Regional Mobile Force Batallion (RMFB) or  City Mobile Force Company (CMFC) to help MCPO in maintaining the peace and order in the city.

"Kung baga, EWAS siya, pinakaubos siya nga category. Pwede mi maka request og additional troops pero gikan ra pud sa amoa, RMFB or sa amoa nga CMFC" he said.

If MCPO will have a peace covenant signing among all the official candidates, Entoma said he expects them to abide by election-related rules as well as promote good sportsmanship.

"Hinaot mi nga the same mga miaging election nga although both capable sila, mosunod lang sila sa insaktong pamaagi," he said.

Last week, the Police Regional Office (PRO) - 7 included Mandaue City under EWAs as well as Cebu City and Cebu province.

Mayor Gabriel Luis Quisumbing, on the other hand, welcomes PRO-7's idea on putting the city on the list considering the presence of organized groups and drug syndicates that are being monitored in the city. (FREEMAN)