BACOLOD City – Around 513 police officers and augmentation forces were deployed in various parts of the city to ensure safe and orderly polls on Monday.
The augmentation forces were sent off by the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) during a ceremony on May 9.
BCPO director Colonel Henry Biñas during his message reminded the troops to remain neutral, apolitical, and non-partisan.
“The President said we need to ensure that every voter, every citizen of the city can exercise their right to vote freely without force or intimidation. That is the order of the President,” Biñas said.
A total of 298 police personnel were deployed, 90 of whom have been assigned for poll center security; 88, as quick response force; and 120, for station security.
The augmentation forces meanwhile consist of 41 troopers of Philippine Army’s 303 Infantry Brigade and 79th Infantry Battalion, along with 80 personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection and 74 personnel of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office also dispatched 20 responders to ensure peaceful polls. (With a report from PNA/PN)
