28 areas of concern

CEBU, Philippines — The number of “areas of concern” in Region 7 has been reduced from 33 to 28 in preparation for the upcoming midterm elections this May 2025.

This was disclosed by the Police Regional Office-7 during the latest Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC) meeting with Commission on Election (Comelec) Regional Director Atty. Francisco Pobe.

The 28 areas of concern cover all the cities and municipalities of Negros Oriental province, which is under yellow alert or those with history of election-related incidents.

Meanwhile, La Libertad and Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental, along with Buenavista, Bohol, are under the red category or those with serious armed threat and with history of election-related incidents. Cebu remains under the green category or areas that are generally peaceful.

But PRO-7 Regional Director Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan said that they don't foresee any big problems in the region.

"Base naman sa assessment natin, wala tayong masyadong nakikitang problema dahil naka pag assess naman ang RJSCC," Maranan said.

Maranan also said that since last year, they have been preparing for March 28, 2025, the start of the campaign period for local candidates.

“Ang tinitingnan natin diyan yung bickerings ng mga supporters and because of that we will be deploying appropriate number of policemen to prevent any untoward incident that may happened,” said Maranan.

Maranan likewise appeals to political leaders and candidates to follow the rules and regulations of the PNP and other laws to ensure peaceful and orderly elections.

He also welcomes covenant signing by different political parties.

“Covenant signing is a traditional and customary practice natin para makuha natin yung kalooban ng ating mga political leaders and candidates na sila’y nakikiisa sa hangarin na magkaroon ng matahimik at maayos na eleksyon sapagkat yung kanilang mga supporters should I say pag nakikita yung kanilang sinusuportahan na kandidato o leaders ay nakikipagkaisa sa mga activities ng law enforcement agencies magiging kalmado at naniniwala doon sa programa ng pamahalaan,” Maranan added.

Meanwhile, to bolster police visibility and strengthen response capabilities ahead of the upcoming elections, PRO-7 officially handed over 15 light motorcycles to the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) yesterday.

The CCPO will deploy these motorcycles as part of the Tactical Motorcycle Riding Unit (TMRU).

The TMRU consists of specially trained patrol officers who utilize motorcycles to enhance public safety and security, particularly in cases involving suspects on motorcycles.

Maranan stated that these motorcycles are essential for maintaining peace and security and will help facilitate close monitoring of voting precincts, enable rapid responses to disturbances, and help ensure that the electoral process is conducted in an orderly and stable environment.

“With increased mobility, we enhance our capacity to deter threats, reinforce security protocols, and act decisively when necessary. These assets go beyond mere transportation; they are force multipliers that strengthen our ability to safeguard democracy and uphold the integrity of the electoral process,” Maranan added. — (FREEMAN)