By Chito Chavez
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Quezon City has assured declared the city was safe and far from being considered an election hotspot.
Comelec-QC election officer, Atty. Ma Anne Gonzales, said “there is no need to put Quezon City under Comelec control’’.
After being tagged as one of the areas of concern in Metro Manila, Comelec QC conducted several command conferences and coordination meetings with concerned agencies, including the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) and the city government.
Quezon City has attained a category green status which means it is relatively peaceful with no security concerns.
Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Director Brig. Gen. Joselito Esquivel, Jr. said the city police has already deployed 2,123 police personnel.
He added the QCPD has also provided a public assistance desk available at every polling place.
Esquivel noted the QCPD has intensified their anti-criminality operations and added more checkpoints throughout the city.
“Makakaasa po kayo na ang Quezon City Police District ay mag-de-deploy ng karampatang bilang ng kapulisan na magbabantay upang masiguro na ang ating eleksyon ay magiging peaceful at maayos (We can assure the public the Quezon Citty Police District will deploy the needed number of police officers that will ensure a peaceful and orderly election),” Esquivel said.
Prior to the elections, the QCPD conducted a unity walk, an interfaith rally, and peace covenant signing with the candidates to solicit their support and coordination to have peaceful elections.