THE Philippine National Police has started listing the possible election hot spots for next year’s midterm elections as part of the early security preparation amid killings of local chief executives.
To date, 7,926 barangays have been initially listed as election areas of concerns, figure was based on the recent barangay elections, according to PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde.
“Most of these barangays are in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, followed by Eastern Visayas and Central Visayas,” said Albayalde.
Albayalde has ordered early election preparations after a series of attacks against mayors and vice mayors. At least 11 mayors and six vice mayors have so far been killed under the Duterte administration.
At 1 a.m. yesterday, a former mayor of a town in Samar was shot while his bodyguard was killed. He is now in critical condition.
Albayalde said the plan now is to create special operations task groups as early as this month, aimed at running after al threats to election violence and fraud. He said they are also identifying policemen who are relatives or close association with the candidates. (Aaron B. Recuenco)
