AFP, PNP sign mandates during polls

CEBU, Philippines - General Victor Ibrado, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and PNP Director Gen. Jesus Verzosa signed a joint letter directive which mandates the role of the military and police during the May 10 elections.

The directive, which took effect last January 10, was also signed by Jose Armando Melo, chairman of the Commission on Elections.

In the mandate, the role of the military and police in the election includes the security of poll precincts, enforcing the firearms ban, providing security details to candidates, and to conduct checkpoints in accordance under Comelec Resolution No. 8714 or the election gun ban.

Lieutenant Col. Oscar Lasangue, Group Commander of 3rd Civil Relations Group based in the Central Command said that the soldier remains professional in performing duties to ensure peaceful and honest 2010 elections.

“The AFP respond to their mission mandated by its joint agreement with the PNP, AFP, and the Comelec maintaining its professionalism and a non-partisan character in order to prevent the occurrence of violent incidents that may disrupt the holding of the coming election,” he said.

Lasangue stressed that following the provision under Comelec Resolution 8714, they are mandated by law to provide enough information and education campaign to all the AFP personnel to intensify law enforcement, security and public safety operation before, during, and after the elections. — Niña G. Sumacot/BRP    (FREEMAN NEWS)