NCRPO deploys flashlight brigade

The 17,000-strong National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will carry flashlights to counter plans by unscrupulous groups to undermine the credibility of the May 10 general elections.

NCRPO chief Director Ricardo de Leon said the Flashlight for Peace program is part of his measures to thwart the Aklas Bayan devious plot exposed by the National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales. "Light is a symbol for peace. I’m encouraging not only our police forces, but the populace as well to carry flashlights on election-day for a peaceful and orderly poll exercise," said De Leon.

Gonzales revealed that the plot is aimed to project reports of cheating by causing massive brownouts and blame them on the administration. This will then lead to a staged walkout by poll watchers who will denounce the cheating and a call for mass action among groups already recruited for the said activity.

The NCRPO director likewise urged teachers and poll watchers in the 843 polling centers in Metro Manila to form flashlight brigades to help safeguard the "voice of the people" in anticipation of moves of certain groups to sabotage the holding of elections.

The twin programs, De Leon said, is part of the NCRPO commitment in protecting and preserving the sanctity of the ballot and all other democratic processes ingrained in the Constitution.

De Leon also encouraged all voters and peace-loving citizens to support the twin programs and join the campaign for honest, orderly and peaceful elections (HOPE).

"The preservation of the integrity of the ballot means securing our country’s destiny. All of us must work hand-in-hand to fight any attempt to deprive us of our right to choose the rightful leaders of our land," said De Leon. "We must remain vigilant and reject any move to discredit our democratic processes."

De Leon assured the citizenry that all police units in Metro Manila remain on alert for any eventuality that is being perceived to be an off-shoot of the Aklas Bayan plot.