PRO 7 Deploys at Least 4 Cops in Each Poll Office in Central Visayas

The Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 has deployed at least four police officers in every Commision on Elections (Comelec) office in Central Visayas starting Monday until the last hour of filing of the certificates of candidacy (CoC) on Oct. 16, Friday.

Chief Superintendent Prudencio Tom Bañas, PRO 7 director, said he has ordered municipal and city police commanders in the region to make sure no Comelec office opens without at least four policemen on standby until Oct. 16.

He said every police unit should also submit a daily report on who among the persons who filed their CoC “are prone to security problems later on.”

Banas said the police officers deployed in local Comelec offices are also tasked to prevent supporters of candidates from becoming violent.

“We are still starting the ‘election fever.’ Let’s avoid having a violent start,” Senior Superintendent Rey Lyndon Lawas of the PRO 7 said.

Lawas said a candidate can bring only up to three supporters when they file their CoC.

Mandaue City Election Officer Anna Fleur Gujilde also advised aspirants to bring only up to two family members when they enter the Comelec office.

“As much as we want to accommodate their supporters, we want them to remain outside so we can have an orderly filing of CoC,” she said.

Election officials in Cebu said they expect most of the candidates to file their CoCs at the last minute. (PNA) FPV/EB/SSC