PNP, AFP ‘escort’ 11 Aklan local candidates
KALIBO, Aklan — Commission on Elections (Comelec) has assigned 20 Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel and two from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as security escorts of local candidates of the May 10 elections who are facing security threats.
Aklan police provincial director Senior Superintendent Epifanio Bragais, Jr. said 21 poll candidates in the province applied with the regional joint task force for detailed security.
“Out of 21 political candidates, only 11 were approved and 10 applications are pending for approval by the Comelec,” he said.
Comelec allows two uniformed security personnel from PNP, AFP and the National Bureau of Investigation for candidates during the campaign period and can be augmented with an additional two personnel from duly licensed/authorized protective agents and private detective agencies.
Meanwhile, the 45-day campaign period for local candidates started yesterday with the Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) and the municipal police stations across the province intensifying the implementation of the joint Comelec checkpoints.
Bragais said there are no significant incidents monitored by the local police that could lead to poll-related violence.
Comelec has issued Resolution No. 8714 on firearms ban where only bonafide members of the law enforcement agencies are eligible to carry firearms in proper uniform. At least six persons in the province were apprehended for violation of the total gun ban after it took effect last month. (Boy Ryan B. Zabal)
