Mandaue police monitoring political situation

CEBU, Philippines — Even as Mandaue City was identified as one of the places with intense political rivalry by the Commission on Elections Central Visayas (Comelec-7), the Mandaue City Police Office said the city has maintained peace during the election season.

MCPO spokeswoman, Police Lieutenant Colonel Mercy Villaro, told reporters yesterday that they will still continue to monitor the candidates in the city.

“As of today, Mandaue City is still categorized as green, meaning no concern in terms of security in politics and there are no any reported threats to them,” said Villaro.

However, Villaro said that they are not complacent in addressing this matter.

In fact, she said that they are closely observing the political climate in the city to ensure safety during the campaign and election periods.

“Nevertheless, the MCPO is ready for the upcoming elections,” said Villaro.

Villaro added that the policemen in the city are ready for any deployment during the elections or any schedule provided by Comelec.

She likewise added that checkpoints are in place, particularly in the border areas of Mandaue City. The officers manning the border controls are working 24 hours a day.

“In place na na tanan, and also na-implement nasad diri sa MCPO ang pag-conduct Comelec checkpoint,” said Villaro.

She said that the police conduct checkpoints twice a day as mandated by Comelec, in addition to their regular checkpoints.

As reported, Comelec-7 regional director Francisco Pobe said that despite political tension in Central Visayas, it remains generally peaceful in terms of armed confrontation and election-related violence.

However, he emphasized the need for vigilance.

Comelec-7 is working closely with the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to conduct threat assessments and implement security measures. (CEBU NEWS)