In San Fernando town: Seminar designed to ID poll-related problems

CEBU, Philippines - A half-day seminar-workshop organized by the chief of San Fernando town police station yesterday morning was well attended, drawing political candidates, teachers, representatives from the city government, the Bureau of Fire, Comelec, and the Catholic Church.

The activity was held at Hidden Paradise Resort in barangay Ilaya in San Fernando town.

Inspector Gerard Ace Pelare, San Fernando Police Station chief said the seminar was held in preparation for the May elections.

He said the plan was to ask stake holders to have a holistic plan for the elections the town being in the PNP and Comelec’s watch list.

Pelare said one of the aims of the seminar was to attempt to identify all the problems common during elections and to recommend solutions.

Police records show that vote buying is common in San Fernando town, among other towns.

As regards security, Pelare said he will assign a police officer to each of the 21 barangays of San Fernando.

He will ask for more men if necessary.

So far, everything is generally peaceful, he said.

He said teachers have a problem with voters who don’t understand instructions.

The teachers hope voters are well informed to avoid delays.

Also at the seminar were Councilor Benedicto Panuncial of the Alayon Party and Vice Mayor Miko Canoy of the Liberal Party.

Police provincial chief Patrocinio Comendador, yesterday’s guest of honor, said 14 places in Cebu are in the watch list.  (FREEMAN)