41 Central Luzon towns, cities placed under election watch list

By Mar T. Supnad

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has placed 41 towns and cities in Central Luzon under its election watch list due to reported incidents in previous polls.

“There is heightened security preparation in these areas such as deployment of more personnel, intensified police operations, mobile patrol, and additional checkpoints,” police regional director Chief Supt.  Rudy Lacadin said during the 1st Regional Joint Security Coordinating Center Conference attended by officials from the Commission on Elections, PNP, and Army 7th Infantry Division.

Among those areas are Dingalan, Baler, and Maria Aurora in Aurora; Dinalupihan and Limay in Bataan; and Dona Remedios Trinidad, San Jose Del Monte, San Miguel, San Ildefonso, Baliwag, and Meycauayan in Bulacan.

Bongabon, Cabanatuan, Jaen, Aliaga, Quezon, Licab, Zaragoza, San Leonardo, Munoz, Pantabangan, Sto. Domingo, Gapan, Cabiao, Talavera, General Tinio, San Antonio, and Talugtug in Nueva Ecija.

Also included in the list are Arayat, Masantol, and Mexico in Pampanga; Bamban, Paniqui, San Jose, Capas, San Manuel, Tarlac City, and Mayantoc in Tarlac; and Botolan, Castillejos, and Masinloc in Zambales.

Senior Supt. Rhodel Sermonia, Bataan police director, said that the coming elections in Bataan are eyed to be more peaceful this year since there are no opponents for Gov. Abet Garcia. Mayor Joet Garcia also ran unopposed for second district congressman and Francis Garcia is also unopposed for city mayor of Balanga.

Relative to this, PNP activated Jan. 10, a total of 199 checkpoints in Central Luzon as election period began with the gun ban.

“Aside from apprehending violators, the checkpoints have also proven effective in the anti-criminality and gun control campaign of the PNP particularly against syndicated crime groups, local insurgents and holders of loose firearms in the previous elections,” Lacadin said.

“Simultaneous dragnet operations will also be carried out to test the efficiency and response time of all police stations in responding to eventualities,” he added.