PRO 7 Deploys 1,400 Cops for Poll Duties

The Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 has more than 1,400 cops to serve as part of the augmentation force in Siquijor, Bohol and Cebu for the elections on May 9.

Chief Superintendent Patrocinio Comendador Jr., PRO 7 director, reminded his personnel to only use “necessary force” against personalities who get caught causing trouble.

“If they try to disrupt the elections, we will go after them,” he said.

Selected personnel from the PRO 7, National Support Units, Regional Training School and Regional Public Safety Battalion were pooled for the deployment.

Senior Superintendent Rey Lyndon Lawas, PRO 7 deputy director for operations, said 50 cops were sent to the Siquijor Provincial Police Office, 490 to the Bohol Provincial Police Office and 940 to the Cebu Provincial Police Office.

Some 211 personnel were already sent in advance to their respective assignments early this week.

The Regional Joint Security Control Center included 22 municipalities and cities in the election watchlist areas (Ewas) in Central Visayas.

In Cebu, included in the Ewas are San Francisco, Dumanjug, Tuburan, San Fernando, Medellin, Daanbantayan, Carmen and Bogo City.

Comendador described the upcoming elections as crucial because a new head of state will be chosen by the electorate.

“We have to keep in mind that it is very important for us to safeguard people’s will,” he said in his speech.

The troops will stay in their assignments for eight days and they were given an additional stipend of PHP1,000 on top of their regular allowance.

Comendador said funds were also provided for police stations accommodating the additional personnel. (PNA) FFC/EB/EDS