PNP vows to thwart cheat plots

MANILA, Philippines - With only 55 days before elections, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Jesus Verzosa assured the public of its security preparations for Election Day.

Verzosa said the PNP is prepared to deal with any glitches in the country’s first automated elections, dismissing the possibility of a failure of elections caused by the breakdown of peace and order.

“The PNP will not allow a leadership vacuum in government. The PNP will not allow its ranks to be used, abused and misused for selfish reasons,” Verzosa declared.

He added that the PNP is prepared for any contingences arising from a possible coup or power grab in case of a failure of elections or violence arising from protests from candidates.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has also assured the public the May 10 elections would proceed smoothly.

The PNP has launched a program called Honest, Orderly, Peaceful Elections (HOPE) in partnership with Comelec and civic organizations to ensure the conduct of peaceful and honest elections.

The PNP took the initiative of signing peace covenants with the various Comelec offices in the regions.

Verzosa and Ray Sumalipao, Comelec regional director for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), signed the HOPE covenant last Thursday.

Verzosa said the PNP will mobilize all its resources to ensure “a peaceful transition of leadership between the outgoing and incoming president of the country.”