LEGAZPI CITY — The Philippine National Police (PNP) Bicol has activated the Regional Special Operation Task Force (RSOTF) aimed at preventing election-related incidents that could happen in areas considered as hotspots and securing conduct of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections next month.
PNP Bicol spokesperson Senior Insp. Maria Luisa Calubaquib on Wednesday said Chief Supt. Antonio Gardiola, Bicol PNP chief, revived the task force following reports of election-related incidents in Bicol provinces.
Calubaquib said over 50 election-related shooting incidents occurred since January in Masbate province alone.
Masbate province has always been tagged by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and PNP as hotspot during past elections due to intense political rivalries, the proliferation of firearms, and the presence of political armed groups.
In line with the directive of Gardiola, the task force would also wage an offensive against lawless elements that would sow fear and disrupt the upcoming barangay election campaign. (PNA)
