Security measures readied for barangay polls

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) is finalizing security measures for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections in October.

PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima said he believes the success of the 2013 barangay and SK elections rests on the early preparation of the government agencies involved in the undertaking.

Purisima issued Command Memoramdum Circular No.32-13 directing all PNP units and offices to intensify and sustain law enforcement, security and public safety operations before, during and after the polls.

He said the circular includes policies and guidelines such as dynamic cooperation with the Armed Forces through the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center, intensified intelligence-driven law enforcement operations; strengthened police-community partnership, an extensive anti-extortion and security plan, and creation of a national task force that will complement a national committee of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

DILG Secretary Mar Roxas and Purisima will direct and supervise all police operations and the creation of provisional units from the national down to provincial levels.