11 bets apply for security escorts in Aklan
Eleven personalities in the province are applying for police security escorts from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the upcoming national and local elections on May 10, 2010.
Aklan police provincial director Senior Superintendent Epifanio Bragais Jr. said the 10 political candidates and a public official filed their applications under oath to the regional security control desks chaired by the Comelec regional election director.
Under Comelec Resolution No. 8714, a candidate for public office, including incumbent public officer, and private individual, may, upon application, be assigned regular members of the Philippine National Police or the Armed Forces of the Philippines or the National Bureau of Investigation, and as augmentation, duly license/authorized Protective Agents of private Detective Agencies, to provide security for the duration of the election period.
“Only two police security escorts may be assigned to political candidates running for mayor and up and at all times, the escorts deputized by the poll body should wear proper uniforms, If the situation warrants, they could re-apply for two additional protective agents for security,” the police director said.
Bragais stressed local candidates for vice mayor to councilors are also allowed to hire two security personnel from protective security and detective agencies.
Meanwhile, Comelec also issued a resolution banning candidates and private individuals to carry firearms during the election period from January 10, 2010 to June 9, 2010.
Bragais said at least three persons, including a jail officer, were apprehended across the province by the Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) in the nationwide gun ban imposed by the Comelec.
Another police officer was also investigated for carrying firearms without his prescribed uniform and was involved in a shooting incident injuring two civilians during the Kalibo Ati-Atihan festival. The police officer is under the custody of the Kalibo police chief Senior Insp. Arnolito Laguerta, he added.
“Aklan PNP is strictly implementing Comelec Resolution No. 8714 for the total gun ban for the duration of the election period. Only members of the PNP and the AFP are authorized carry, bear and transport firearms while in prescribed uniform and during the actual performance of their official duties,” he said. (APPO)
