Bacalzo orders more checkpoints nationwide

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Raul Bacalzo ordered the setting up of more checkpoints in the country following the assassination of several government officials.

Bacalzo ordered police regional, provincial and station commanders to increase the number of checkpoints and launch preemptive strike against partisan armed groups.

Records showed since Oct. 2 several government officials were killed, including an election official in Basilan, a barangay captain in Sultan Kudarat, a judge in Ilocos Sur, a municipal treasurer in Ilocos Norte and a vice mayor in Nueva Ecija.

“You are directed to make appropriate security adjustments based on area peculiarity, on security measures being pursued to thwart the spate of election-related violence,” said Bacalzo.

The PNP chief also ordered policemen nationwide to intensify security measures at the barangay level with only 15 days to go before the barangay and Sangguniang Kaba­taan elections.

“You are hereby directed to convene your respective security and coordinating councils to review your respective peace and security preparations at tactical level,” said Bacalzo.

At the same time, Bacalzo instructed all police commanders nationwide to review and adjust the security measures being implemented in their respective areas of jurisdiction.

Bacalzo also encouraged local police to initiate the conduct of peace covenants among candidates for both the barangay and SK elections and other organizations and sectors of society.

PNP spokesman Senior Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. said the PNP will be deploying 85 percent of its personnel in the field a week before the barangay and SK polls to ensure the peaceful and credible conduct of the elections.

“We are just waiting for the PNP chief to declare the full alert status, once it takes effect, we will be deploying 85 percent of our personnel in the field,” said Cruz in an interview over DZBB.