The local police here will tap barangay officials in ensuring the security of local candidates and health safety of supporters during the campaign period for local aspirants that will start on March 25, a city police official said on Wednesday.
The police and village officials will also ensure that political candidates will observe minimum health protocols during their rallies.
Lt. Col. Wilbert Parilla, Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) deputy director for operations, said at a press conference the two local political groups here need to coordinate with the police if they plan to mount election activities that would create a huge crowd.
“Depending on which area, the police will seek the help of barangay officials because they will be in the area during the event, considering that the venue will fall under their jurisdiction,” Parilla said in a mix of Filipino and English.
This rule, he said, will apply to all aspirants whether incumbent or challenger, saying the “job of the police is to ensure security and safety of all running candidates, regardless of political party.”
Although the city has been placed under coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) Alert Level 1 that allows gatherings depending on the capacity of the venue, Parilla said such lowering of restrictions does not mean people can skip the observance of health and safety standards during the pandemic.
The Emergency Operations Center, he said, would still want to know if the venue would be enough to prevent the transmission of Covid-19 and avoid another surge now that the city has less than 500 active cases.
He clarified though that their presence during political rallies would be to provide security and ensure observance of the health and safety protocols against Covid-19
“Just like the national parties, every time they organize rallies, they need to coordinate it with the city government. They will send a personnel to coordinate as to the specifics of their activity,” Parilla said.
The number of policemen to be deployed during campaign activities of candidates and their political parties would depend on the size of their venue, he said.
The police will also establish a coordinating line between the barangay officials and chief of police to ensure compliance with both security and safety protocols.
Source: Philippines News Agency