NCRPO watching 53 barangays for poll-related violence

MANILA, Philippines — At least 53 barangays in Metro Manila are being monitored for poll-related violence as part of the preparations for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on May 14, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief said yesterday.

These barangays, mostly located in the northern and southern parts of the metropolis, have a history of election-related violent incidents, based on records of the 2013 barangay elections, NCRPO chief Director Oscar Albayalde said, making special mention of the cities of Caloocan, Malabon and Taguig.

“We will strengthen our operations and the conduct of checkpoints and of course maximize police presence not only during the elections but also before and after,” he said.

Albayalde has alerted police units in the areas of concern and local police are ironing out strategies to prevent violent incidents.

He also reminded all police units in Metro Manila to prepare to enforce the gun ban, which the Commission on Elections set from April 14 to June 14.