Mandaue police gear up for campaign period

Local

THE Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) is gearing up mass gatherings as the campaign period for next year’s election draws near.

Just last Monday, December 23, about 3,000 people attended the indignation rally that was held to show support for the embattled dismissed Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes.

Lt. Col. Mercy Villaro, information officer of MCPO, said they are preparing for similar activities with the campaign period just months away.

Contrary to some social media posts, Villaro also clarified that the recent indignation rally held in front of the Cebu International Convention Center was only attended by 3,000 people and not 16,000.

Vilaro said the MCPO will work closely with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the enforcement of a security plan for mass events that will be conducted by candidates.

The 90-day campaign period for national candidates or those seeking seats in the Senate and party list posts ill be from Feb. 11 to May 10. The campaign period for local candidates, including for district representation in the House, will be from March 28 to May 10.

“We will seek guidance from the Comelec especially when it comes to providing security during political rallies,” said Villaro.

Villaro added that the police have to be guided as to their limitations when it comes to providing security during political events.

Before the start of the campaign period, the MCPO will already have the schedule of rallies that various political groups will be holding for them to prepare the needed security plan.

“We will have a maximum deployment of our personnel on the field, and close coordination with the Comelec so will be guided,” Villaro said.

Villaro assured that the MCPO will be impartial as police personnel will be deployed in activities regardless of political affiliations.(CCM)