NOPPO deploys over

3,000 to secure elections

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) yesterday deployed 3,251 personnel throughout the province in order to maintain security for the upcoming midterm elections, which are scheduled to take place on May 13.

Yesterday’s send-off ceremony was led by Police Regional Office-6 (PRO-6) deputy director for administration, Police Brigadier General Jesus Cambay, Jr., and NOPPO director, Police Colonel Romeo Baleros, at their headquarters in Bacolod City.

In his speech, Cambay affirmed the regional office is confident local law enforcement is prepared for the election.

“We should be aware of the police operational procedures and election guidelines,” he reminded.

The PRO-6 official went on to list objectives for local law enforcement such as preventing harassment or raids of municipal police stations, ambush incidents, election-related violence, among other priorities.

He also delivered a message from PRO-6 director, Police Brigadier General John Bulalacao, saying, “The police and military must be at the forefront to secure the safety of the people during the election.”

Bulalacao also reminded security forces to be fit both in body and mind.

Meanwhile, Philippine Army 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo, assured all combat and security operations will be followed.

In addition to the manpower, provincial headquarters also provided 57 vehicles, 41 motorcycles, 2,874 long and short firearms, and 328 radio communication handsets./DGB, WDJ