PNP-2 forms task force for 2013 election

By Oliver T. Baccay

Tuesday 12th of June 2012

TUGUEGARAO CITY, June 11 (PIA) – In preparation for the forthcoming 2013 elections, the Philippine National Police (PNP) region 2 has already created the task force Honest, Orderly and Peaceful Elections (HOPE) to brace for any eventuality in relation to the election proceedings region-wide.

Police Chief Superintendent Rodrigo P. De Gracia, regional director, said they organized the task group for the regional command and ordered provinces to replicate the same up to the municipalities to ensure peace and security during the election campaigns up to the end of the election period.

“We have already a standing order from the chief PNP to prepare for the incoming midterm elections. We need to look into the scenarios and secure the potential candidates as well as the public in this incoming national event,” De Gracia said.

Parts of the preparation of the group now is the intensified campaign against loose fire arms, as well as the neutralization of partisan armed groups that are being activated during elections.

In the previous elections, the PNP admitted that there were municipalities which were identified as election hotspots. De Gracia said they will again assess the municipalities to look into areas that are hotspots to assign more personnel and execute security plan. (OTB/PIA-2)