Mandaue voting centers inspected

CEBU, Philippines — The Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) has started inspecting voting centers in preparation for the upcoming midterm elections.

MCPO spokeswoman Police Lieutenant Colonel Mercy Villaro said that the inspection includes ensuring the readiness of the Philippine National Police (PNP) assistance desks and other security measures.

On election day, at least four uniformed PNP personnel will be assigned to each of the 29 voting centers in Mandaue City.

Currently, over 233,000 registered voters are expected to cast their votes in the city.

Villaro said the MCPO is checking the appearance of policemen, ensuring they are in proper uniform or “tamang bihis”, and identifying the locations of their respective assistance desks.

One of the minor issues encountered was with the printing of tarpaulins indicating the police stations --Villaro noted that there was a slight error in the color used.

She added that since election day has not yet arrived, police personnel are currently securing the Automated Counting Machines (ACMs), which are already in place at the voting centers and stored inside the principals’ offices.

Villaro also said that the deployment plan is ready. On election day, police officers will be stationed 50 meters away from the polling centers as part of security protocols.

She emphasized that even now, police officers have already been briefed and coordinated on their designated posts.

Villaro added that officers were instructed to be aware of the estimated number of voters in each location to anticipate foot traffic in and out of the voting centers.

In addition to the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Department of Education, the PNP is also tasked with checking and preparing the entrance and exit points of schools that will serve as voting centers on May 12, 2025.

Moreover, Villaro stressed the importance of identifying any deficiencies or defects in the setup early on so they can be resolved promptly.

She pointed out that many of the schools are located along narrow barangay roads, which should be cleared beforehand to allow easy access for vehicles.

Villaro emphasized the importance of the PNP coordinating with barangay officials to inform residents in advance about areas that will be designated as No Parking zones during election day.

“Gagmay man kaayo ang mga dan, wala nay mo-park para in case of emergency pasulod man o pagawas sa emergency vehicles importante makaagi,” Villaro said.

She also noted that coordination with traffic units and barangay personnel is vital to ensure a smooth and orderly election day in Mandaue City.

Aside from safety and security, Villaro said that the police are also observing the cleanliness of the voting areas. (CEBU NEWS)