Security agencies to further study areas that need more attention ahead of May polls

TACLOBAN CITY, Jan. 14 (PNA) - The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Army will conduct a workshop to identify areas that need additional security personnel in preparation for the May 9, 2016 elections.

According to Commission on Elections (Comelec) Regional Director Jose Nick Mendros, the formulation of a security plan was agreed during the first regional joint security control center (RJSCC) conference on January 8.

The workshop seeks to come up with a consensus as to the deployment of police and military personnel in the region relative to the conduct of elections.

The RJSCC has tagged 44 towns as watch list based on the history of previous elections, the incidents involved, and the candidates involved.

Election period started January 10 and will end on June 8. Campaign period for president, vice president, senators and party list starts on February 9 until May 7. Local candidates’ campaign period starts on March 25 until May 7.

The police and army as deputized security personnel of Comelec during elections are mandated to help the poll body in ensuring honest, peaceful and orderly conduct of elections.

Authorities started to intensify their campaign of gun ban by putting up check points in the different entry and exit points in the region. (PNA)
FFC/SQM/LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA/EGR