PRO-7: 16 areas of concern in CV

CEBU, Philippines — The Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 has revealed that it is currently monitoring at least 16 election areas of concern in the region and one armed group in Negros Oriental.

In a courtesy call yesterday, Jan. 27, 2025, to Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, the newly appointed Regional Director for PRO-7, Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, disclosed their preparations for the upcoming May election.

Although none of the areas of concern are in Cebu, Maranan shared that each provincial police office has developed its own distinct security plan tailored to their respective areas of jurisdiction.

He added that they also outlined seven major security concerns to ensure the effective implementation of security measures.

These concerns include the safety of all Comelec officials and staff, elected government officials, candidates, canvassing areas, polling places, treasurer’s offices, and other election-related infrastructures.

Maranan further shared that after officially taking the helm at PRO-7, one of his first orders of business was to familiarize himself with the jurisdiction he will be serving.

In an interview after the courtesy call, Maranan said they met with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) three days ago for its 3rd Regional Security Council Meeting to discuss preparations for the upcoming 2025 midterm elections.

Maranan said they are also focusing on securing all election paraphernalia, particularly with plans to counter vote-buying activities.

According to him, they are placing a strong focus on vote-buying, as they consider it a source of “all frictions” when election day approaches.

For the entire region-7, Maranan said they have identified 16 election areas of concern—14 in Negros Oriental and two in Bohol.

To address this, Maranan said they will be deploying an additional 200 police personnel to Negros Oriental. He also mentioned that he will personally oversee these areas in the coming days to ensure that the identified hotspots are properly monitored.

Among the primary directives from the PNP Chief that Maranan has relayed is the intensified crackdown on criminal gangs and private armed groups that may be mobilized during the election season.

In region-7, Maranan said they have so far identified only one private armed group, which he named “The Teves Group.”

He also stressed that, based on their coordination with Comelec, there are no identified election "areas of concern" in Cebu Island, particularly in Cebu City.

Full support for PNP

Maranan’s courtesy call to Garcia yesterday was his first, alongside Police Colonel Antonietto Figueroa, the new Cebu City Police Office Director. While welcoming Maranan, Garcia expressed his support for the local police force in their efforts to serve the city.

He emphasized that the Cebu City Government recognizes the crucial role of law enforcement in maintaining peace in the city. Garcia also commended Maranan’s leadership during the recently concluded Sinulog 2025 celebration, where security measures ensured a peaceful event.

When asked to assess their security performance during Sinulog, Garcia said he would give them an “excellent” rating.

“We are looking forward to a fruitful partnership, and you can be assured, General, of Cebu City’s support all the way,” said Garcia.

Garcia also disclosed that the Cebu City Government has completed the bidding process for the P50 million renovation of the CCPO headquarters.

In response, Maranan welcomed Garcia’s statement, adding that it is now the responsibility of the CCPO director to maintain peace and order in Cebu City at the highest level.

“There is no reason na hindi magiging maganda ang peace and order dito sa Cebu City in particular because of the full support of the mayor,” said Maranan.

Maranan assumed his role as PRO-7 Chief on January 10, 2025. — (FREEMAN)