Capiz PNP sends off men to help ensure polls' success
ROXAS CITY -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) formally deployed on Friday its officers and men to their respective areas of jurisdiction in Capiz to perform election and anti-criminality duties to ensure that the May 14, 2007 elections would be honest, orderly and peaceful.
Capiz PNP Provincial Director Sr. Supt. Roberto Villanueva also reminded them to uphold the sanctity of the ballot and refrain from engaging in partisan political activities.
The local send-off ceremony was part of the nationwide activity initiated by the PNP to highlight the role of the police in the conduct of this year's midterm elections which would elect the country's new set of 12 senators as well as congressmen in various districts, provincial governors, city and municipal mayors, and other local officials.
A complementary force of some 100 policemen from the PNP Regional Training Center was also set to arrive later in the day to augment PNP forces in the provincial and municipal police offices.
Aside from Villanueva, also on hand to see the officers and men go were PNP Deputy Provincial Director for Administration Sr. Supt. Leo Puertollano, Deputy Provincial Director for Operations Chief Insp. Pablito Silvestre, Supt. Narciso Pestaño of the PNP Regional; Comptroller Division, COMELEC Provincial Election Supervisor lawyer Wil Arceño and other election officers, Mayors Winston Advicula of Jamindan, Jose Alba of Mambusao and Belegio Dueñas of Maayon, members of the local tri-media, and other PNP and local government officials.
"It's all systems go," said Villanueva of the PNP's activities in Monday's elections. As an additional guidance to his officers and men, Villanueva urged them to do their job and do it well.
The PNP has been coordinating with the COMELEC to support the poll body's major tasks in the political exercise. It has also coordinated with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) especially the Philippine Army (PA) to maintain peace and order during the elections.
Also in the PNP's focus of attention are municipalities that are areas of concern due to peace and order problems and intense political rivalry.
In a statement, Malacañang called on the public and political candidates to rise to the occasion and show before the international community that the country is capable of holding peaceful and credible elections.
(PIA)