EPD watches two ‘hot’ areas

The Eastern Police District is closely monitoring political developments in the cities of Mandaluyong and Marikina to determine whether they would be tagged "concerned areas" in the coming May 14 elections.

This early, the protagonists in the two cities’ political arena have hurled charges and counter-charges against each other but Chief Superintendent Simeon Dizon Jr., EPD director said "there’s no cause for alarm as yet."

"There are no indications that the political situation would worsen. But just the same, we are monitoring the developments so we will not be caught with our hands down," said Dizon in an interview.

During a recent command conference presided by newly appointed Metro Manila police chief Director Romeo Peña, no area of the metropolis was declared as yet, a "hot spot."

But in Mandaluyong, the camps of incumbent Mayor Benhur Abalos and Vice Mayor Jessie Cruz are locked in a propaganda blitz against their opponent, former Vice Mayor Ernesto "Bibot" Domingo and his partymate actor Philip Salvador.

Abalos and Cruz will be running under the banner of the administration LAKAS-NUCD while Domingo and Salvador have not yet announced their political party.

Recently, both camps conducted a "loyalty check" of their supporters on the guise of an anniversary and motorcade and the crowd that gathered to show support for Abalos and Cruz, who were prime movers of EDSA People Power 2, was bigger and noisier.

Meanwhile, Marikina Rep. Romeo Candazo has yet to formalize his bid in the coming elections but was greeted by physical injuries, slander and other charges filed by a woman golf caddie in Antipolo City.

Candazo said the charges filed by Perla Bernolirao was politically-motivated.

Candazo is set to face Marides Fernando, the wife of incumbent Marikina City Mayor Bayani Fernando who is serving his third and last term, as his opponent in the elections. – Non Alquitran