By Nanette Guadalquiver/Philippine News Agency
BACOLOD CITY — A total of 513 policemen and augmentation forces from various agencies were sent off by the Bacolod City Police in a ceremony held Thursday to secure the mid-term elections here on May 13.
Col. Henry Biñas, city police director, in his message reminded the troops to remain neutral, apolitical, and non-partisan.
Biñas said this was the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte during his command conference with the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army in Western Visayas held in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental on Wednesday.
“(The President) said we will have to ensure that every voter, that every citizen of the city can exercise their right (to vote) freely without force or intimidation. That is the order of the President,” he added.
In the color coding classification of election hot spots, the Commission on Elections has placed Bacolod City under Category Green, which refers to areas that do not have security concerns and are generally peaceful and orderly.
Lt. Col. Leonardo Borromeo, deputy city director for administration and operations, presented the troops during the ceremony witnessed by City Election Officer Ann Janette Lamban and Lt. Col. Romulus Rabara, executive officer of the Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IB).
A total of 298 police personnel were deployed, 90 of whom have been assigned for poll center security; 88, as quick response force; and 120, for station security.
The augmentation forces consist of 41 troopers of the 303IB and the 79th Infantry Battalion, along with 80 personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection and 74 personnel of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office dispatched 20 responders.
The prayers and blessing were led by Pastor Joelan Toribo of the Faith Baptist Church; Imam Abulkhaer Nadela Carcauga of the Abu Bakr Masjid; and Rev. Fr. Arnold de la Tina, parish priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Shrine.
For the latest updates about this story, visit the Philippine News Agency website
