Task Force Masbate reactivated

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Bicol is reactivating Task Force Masbate for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

“We will augment the number of police personnel to be assigned in Masbate,” Chief Superintendent Antonio Gardiola Jr., Bicol police director, said yesterday. 

The Army’s 9th Division said it would also deploy additional troops in the province.

Masbate has been identified as a potential hot spot due to the number of election-related violent cases in previous polls. Two police battalions were deployed in the province in 2016.

From January to March 28 this year, Masbate recorded the most number of shooting incidents in Bicol at 42. Camarines Sur is next with 20; Albay, 17; Camarines Norte, 7, and Sorsogon, 4.