CPPO also creating Task Force HOPE

The Cebu Provincial Police Office will form a task force to respond to incidents related to the May 14 elections.

CPPO director Sr. Supt. Carmelo Valmoria said Task Force HOPE or Honest and Orderly Peaceful Election, which is created in every province of the country, is tasked to respond to all election-related incidents in the municipalities during the election period.

He said all city and provincial directors will head the task force.

Valmoria said based on past elections, Cebu has no immediate areas of concerns, and that he expects that the province will remain peaceful until March 29, the last day of the filing of certificate of candidacy.

He also encouraged candidates to make peace covenants for a peaceful election, adding that they have not received any reports of armed groups that will be used by politicians in the election.

Meanwhile, Valmoria warned members of the Centennial Force and other police auxiliary units from escorting candidates during the campaign period.

Valmoria said a memorandum was issued by Camp Crame to the Centennial Force and other police auxiliary units that they should only assist the Philippine National Police in seminars held in barangays in the province.

Although he did not read the entire memorandum, Valmoria said it did not state that the auxiliary units could escort politicians during the campaign period.

He said that if a candidate will hold a meeting or "pulong-pulong" in a certain place, the units would only help in maintaining order.

Valmoria said if the units failed to obey the order, they might face charges for usurpation of authority.

But he clarified that the units can also help the police conduct checkpoints although they are prohibited from wearing t-shirts with "POLICE" marking to avoid confusing the people. - Norvie S. Misa/LPM