PNP says seven areas validated as hotspots for 2019 midterm polls

January 14, 2019

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde said seven out of the 19 municipalities and cities being considered as election hotspots for the 2019 midterm polls are validated.

  In a press briefing on Monday, the director general of the PNP did not mention these areas.

  Albayalde said the PNP is monitoring a total of 19 municipalities and cities.

Areas being considered as election watchlist or hotspots are Sudipen  and Balaon in  La Union; Jones in Isabela; Lemery in Batangas; Roxas in Oriental Mindoro; Balud and Dimasalang in Masbate; Daraga in Albay; Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur; Cagayan de Oro City in Misamis Oriental; Hadji Mohammad Ajul and Tipo-tipo in Basilan; Lantawan in Cebu; Marawi City and Sultan Dumalundong in Lanao del Sur; Mamasapano, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Datu Unsay and Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao.

  "We have validated seven of them that. We have initially listed 18 but one was added as of today. Out of that 19 we have validated seven that these areas are really concerned areas, hotspots or EWAs that there were incidents of violence before," Albayalde said.

Albayalde reiterated they will be sending one more battalion in Cotabato on January 18.

  "In some areas, we will see. We just have to consolidate our troops particularly those (in the area) or redeploy our personnel particularly coming from our police regional mobile groups," Albayalde said.

  President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the Commission on Elections to take control over the town of Daraga in Albay as hotspots after AKO Bicol Partylist Representative Rodel Batocabe and his police escort were killed in an ambush.

  For candidates asking for assistance, the PNP chief said they can provide "perimeter assistance" to them.

  "Candidates will be allowed maximum of two (security guards). Just like what our President (Rodrigo Duterte) said we will follow the Alunan doctrine and in uniform," he said.

  "Now if you are going to a critical area or if you are going to an area that you think you'll be conducting an information company that is massive, we allow them to coordinate with the local police to provide area security," Albayalde added.

  But he hope candidates will not interpret it as "electioneering" or favoring other candidate.

  Albayalde said he signed and processed a lot of request asking for exemption of security details.

  "I have signed several requests coming from different candidates for exemption of security details because it's needed to have the Comelec's approval," Albayalde said.

  "And of course their security detail will be allowed to carry firearms provided it is allowed by the Comelec and  if they are in uniform," he added.

  On the first day of nationwide checkpoints, Albayalde said it is generally peaceful but expects that violent incidents may still occur due to the number of confiscated firearms.

  As of 12 midnight of January 13, he said they conducted a total of 4,447 checkpoint operations that resulted in the arrest of 25 persons and confiscation of 27 firearms, 168 rounds of ammunition, seven bladed weapons, 22 gun replica, 70 sachets of suspected “shabu”, and 2 glass pipe with suspected “marijuana”.

  "The first day of the election period may be considered generally peaceful yet... violent incidents may still occur due to the number of confiscated/seized firearms," Albayalde said.

The PNP also conducted 518 checkpoints in addition to eight more joint checkpoints with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the entire Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao where the plebiscite for Bangsamoro Organic Law will happen.

  Albayalde asked the public's cooperation when they pass checkpoints and understanding if the police officer's flashlight will hit their eyes. Ella Dionisio/DMS