By: Jim Lloyd Dongiapon
Police Regional Office XI of the Philippine National Police beefed up their security efforts in ensuring peaceful elections as the local campaign period kicks off today.
Additional personnel have been deployed to areas tagged as “areas of immediate concern” and “areas of concern.”
As per the PRO XI list, eight municipalities in Davao Region are tagged as “election areas of immediate concern,” which are: Kiblawan, Davao del Sur; Lupon, Davao Oriental; and Maco, New Bataan, Pantukan, Maragusan, and Montevista in Davao de Oro.
Eight other municipalities are considered as “election areas of concern,” namely: New Corella, Davao del Norte; Monkayo, Davao de Oro; and Sta. Cruz, Matanao, Magsaysay, Hagonoy, and Padada in Davao del Sur.
Joint forces of the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines also strengthened their presence at COMELEC checkpoints to monitor the situations in election hotspots and to ensure the safety and security of the public.
PRO-XI Director Police Brigadier General Benjamin Silo, Jr. also revealed 49 local politicians requested for protection and security personnel from their office. He ensured that these requests will be accommodated to guarantee the safety of the candidates at risk this election season.
The local campaign period will span 43 days, from today, March 25, 2022, until May 7, 2022 with a two-day election campaign silence on Maundy Thursday, April 14, 2022, and Good Friday, April 15, 2022.