MCPO optimistic of peaceful campaign in the city

CEBU, Philippines — As the local campaign period approaches for the upcoming May 2025 elections, the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) hopes that Mandaue City will continue to maintain its green code status.

According to MCPO spokesperson Police Lt. Col. Mercy Villaro, Mandaue City remains under the green code, meaning the elections and campaigns are being conducted safely with no reported threats against candidates or any political figures.

“Magpadayon lang gihapon ang green code sa Mandaue City meaning wala tay mga na-receive nga mga threats sa mga political candidates,” said Villaro.

“Hopefully, ma-maintain ang green code,” she added.

In a bid to maintain peace and order, the MCPO will conduct coordination meetings with the city’s two major political parties in preparation for the upcoming local campaign period, set to begin on Friday, March 28.

Villaro said that the two major parties, One Mandaue and Team Mandaue, have requested police presence at their campaign rallies.

The two political parties have scheduled their grand rallies, with Team Mandaue, led by former Mayor Jonas Cortes, set to hold its event on March 28, followed by One Mandaue, the party of Congresswoman Emmarie “Lollypop” Ouano-Dizon, on March 29.

Villaro said that the two political parties have scheduled coordination meetings with the police office to discuss what to expect during the different rallies.

The spokesperson said the two parties have requested police presence to ensure safety and security during their grand rallies.

With this kind of activity, Villaro said the MCPO will deploy an appropriate number of personnel, depending on the venue’s location and the expected crowd size.

“Mao na, we will check (the number) during sa among meetings,” said Villaro.

She added that regardless of the crowd size, the MCPO will deploy the maximum number of personnel necessary to ensure the safety of supporters.

Villaro further noted that security during election campaigns will not be limited to rally venues but will also cover other areas of public convergence. She said police personnel will continue monitoring outposts, intersections, financial establishments, and other key locations.

Aside from deploying personnel for safety and security, Villaro said they will also assign traffic officers to manage road conditions, especially during grand rallies, to ensure proper traffic flow throughout the events.

As grand rallies are expected to draw large crowds of supporters, Villaro said the MCPO anticipates a lively atmosphere, prompting them to prioritize safety and security measures.

“In times like ingon ani, during the election campaigns, we expect nga ang mga supporters grabe gyud ka hugyaw ang ilang mga suporta sa ilang mga respective candidates,” said Villaro.

Villaro said that the Philippine National Police (PNP) recognizes the right of supporters to express their support in any manner.

However, the spokesperson emphasized that while different forms of support are accepted, supporters should remain peaceful and orderly, without causing disturbances or creating problems for others.

“Ato lang na siyang ipadayon, depende lang gyud nga dili makahatag og kasamok. Sakto lang, igo lang gyud, especially naa sila sa public places nga di ra kaayo maka (apekto) ilang noise, ato raman silang pasagdan,” said Villaro.

Villaro likewise urged those planning to join the upcoming rallies and campaigns to remain peaceful and act as responsible citizens, avoiding any form of violence during the election period.

The spokesperson also encouraged supporters to report to their office if they experience any instances where their rights have been violated.

“Makapanawag sila sa atong kapulisan para matabangan namo sila,” Villaro said.

However, Villaro said that as far as the MCPO is concerned, they do not expect supporters from any political party to engage in violent acts, as Mandaue City has consistently maintained peace during political campaigns over the years.

“For pila na ka years dinhi sa Mandaue peaceful ra gyud ang mga gipahigayon nga kampanya during elections,” said Villaro. (CEBU NEWS)