PNP receives only 10% of P900-million budget requested for polls

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) received only P90 million or 10 percent of the P900 million they requested as budget for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections yesterday.

Director Benjamin Belarmino, chief of the National Task Force Hope Bravo 2010, said the Commission on Elections released P150 million for the barangay and SK polls but the budget was divided on a 60-40 ratio between the PNP and the Armed Forces.

“We received the P90 million, while the Armed Forces got P60 million. There were regional directors complaining about the budget but we promise to reimburse them of their additional expenses,” he said.

Belarmino, PNP deputy chief for operations, explained that despite the meager budget, the PNP was able to ensure a stable peace and order situation in the country.

He lamented that some sectors were belittling the barangay elections in terms of budget and preparations when it should have been treated like the national elections.

As of press time, PNP chief Director General Raul Bacalzo said the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections were going smoothly.

The PNP chief said the entire country remains on full alert to ensure availability of forces if the need arises.

Police recorded at least 47 election-related incidents during the 30-day election period from Sept. 25 until yesterday.

Belarmino, chief of the National Task Force Hope Bravo 2010, said 32 were killed and several others were wounded in the incidents.

Police also arrested 241 individuals for violating the liquor ban and another 671 for violating the gun ban.

Belarmino said over 110,000 police officers were deployed nationwide to help ensure honest, orderly and peaceful elections.