As local candidates begin finalizing their plans for the start of their campaign period on Friday, March 28, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) assured that it has already prepared a comprehensive security coverage to ensure the safety of the public.
Part of the security measures, according to NCRPO director Brig. Gen. Anthony A. Aberin, is the deployment of more policemen in areas where local candidates are expected to visit and hold their respective campaign programs.
The campaign period for local candidates—from governor and congressman down to mayor and city and municipal councils—runs from March 28 to May 10 and Aberin said part of the security preparations is the identification of areas with high probability of violence and with intense political rivalry.
He then urged the candidates to focus on presenting their platform and cooperate in the police’s security plan.
“The campaign period is the time for the local candidates to present their plan and advocacy. On the part of your NCRPO, we will make sure that all the areas where the candidates and the people converge will be safe and peaceful,” said Aberin.
All the deployment and security preparations are under the supervision of the Commission in Elections and Aberin said are in constant coordination with the agency for any security adjustments.
He said the comprehensive security plan that the NCRPO crafted also covers the Holy Week—from the exodus of thousands of people in Metro Manila to provinces until their return to their homes and workplaces in the metropolis.
“These security measures are all part of our goal of ensuring that there will be a peaceful and honest conduct of midterm elections. In this way, the voters will have the opportunity to freely choose their leaders,” said Aberin.
Aberin also assured the public that the NCRPO will be politically neutral, saying all Metro Manila policemen have already been warned of consequences if they are proven to be favoring certain candidates.
“I assure our kababayan that your police will be neutral and apolitical. WE will focus on our peace and order job and doing what is right and legal,” said Aberin.
“Your NCRPO is always open to any complaints or concerns,” he added.