NCPO to dispatch cops in towns during BSKE, Undas

By Paulo DS. Papa

THE Naga City Police Office (NCPO) will deploy approximately 300 personnel to support the maintenance of peace and security during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections and the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days in Camarines Sur. These officers will be sent to the police provincial command to assist in managing law and order during these significant events.

During a recent press briefing, Police Lieutenant Colonel Dario Sola, Naga's deputy city director for operations, mentioned that the Naga City Police has around 900 officers, ensuring effective peacekeeping during the elections and the saints’ and souls’ festivities within the city.

The 300 personnel under their command will be stationed in various towns across the province, reinforcing the provincial command's efforts. This collaborative effort was crucial in securing the city during the Peñafrancia festivities last September.

Sola also revealed that more than 600 personnel will remain in Naga during the elections until November 1 and 2, and the 300 deployed officers will return to the city after these events.

Additionally, the 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army will dispatch its troopers to support the city's security measures.

Sola offered advice to the public regarding the use of machetes or "bolo" for cleaning the graves of their departed relatives during the election period. He emphasized the importance of early clean-up activities due to the police presence in cemeteries over the coming weekend, where a large number of people are expected to visit graves on the days before the elections.

He also reminded the public that carrying sharp objects like bolos during the election period could result in criminal charges for violating the Omnibus Election Code, which prohibits the possession of deadly weapons during election periods.

Furthermore, he noted that the Philippine National Police annually prohibits the use of loudspeakers and the consumption of alcohol in cemeteries during this time.

ABOUT 300 personnel from the Naga City Police Office will be dispatched to various towns in Camarines Sur to ensure peace and security during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) as well as All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days. Photo courtesy of Naga City Police Office