By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA
MANILA — The first two days of the campaign period for local candidates in Metro Manila was “generally peaceful”, according to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).
“No untoward incidents for the past two days related to election,” said Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, NCRPO Director, in a text message sent to Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Sunday.
He said with the campaign period now in full swing, the next six weeks are going to be critical as the candidates will be active in all areas of Metro Manila as they start wooing the residents/voters.
Eleazar added there is no election hotspot in Metro Manila for the coming May 13 elections.
He said, however, that lawmen will continue to monitor heated political rivalries that may exist in certain areas of the metropolis.
“Local election campaign periods have shown traditionally, that there is more conflict and tension in the air — both physical and emotional — because every single candidate has his/her own rabid camp and followers who are more involved intensely, during this period. There is a probability of clashes amongst the local candidates and his/her followers. In this regard, I urge all involved in the campaign to stay calm and cool, and more importantly, stay right and legal,” Metro Manila’s top cop said.
Eleazar said a total of 14,000 police personnel will be deployed in Metro Manila.
He also ordered all district directors to intensify police operations against private armed groups, criminal gangs, wanted persons, gun-for-hire groups and loose firearms.
The order covers the Manila Police District, Quezon City Police District, Northern Police District, Southern Police District, and the Eastern Police District.
“We will also increase the frequency of checkpoints in the metropolis to help deter criminal minds in executing their evil designs. I have strict orders to our commanders in the field to observe proper procedures and professionalism when conducting the checkpoints,” Eleazar said.
He said the public may report discourteous and abusive police personnel to the nearest police station or at the NCRPO.
“I ask the public to be patient and understanding, as our security activities are for the good of everybody,” Eleazar said.
