The Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) will recall officers assigned as security details to government officials and private individuals before the election period begins on Jan. 12, an official said Tuesday.
Lt. Stephen Polinar, NOPPO spokesperson, said fewer than 100 police officers in the province currently serve as security details for the governor, mayors, other local officials and some private individuals.
Once the recall takes effect, those needing security must secure approval from the Commission on Elections (Comelec), which will oversee the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines during the election period.
Polinar said NOPPO would consult with Comelec and higher PNP authorities regarding security arrangements for certain politicians and civilians who are witnesses in the murder trial of former governor Roel Degamo.
“These individuals were authorized to receive protection through the Police Security Protection Group,” Polinar clarified.
The trial for Degamo’s murder continues, with witnesses traveling to the National Capital Region as required by the court.
Polinar emphasized that the PNP follows a validation process involving the intelligence community to assess threats and determine if an individual qualifies for police security detail.
Meanwhile, the PNP is also stepping up of security checkpoints for the upcoming election period to enforce the election gun ban but also violations of national laws and local ordinances.
Polinar confirmed that the checkpoints, set to begin Sunday, will be manned by police, Army personnel, and representatives from the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
These checkpoints will cover a range of violations, including traffic and election-related offenses.
The official start of the election period will be marked by a ceremony at a checkpoint in Valencia town, with Comelec, Army, and police officials in attendance.
Unlike previous years, where checkpoints began at 12:01 a.m. on the first day, the Comelec has rescheduled the checkpoints to begin at 8 a.m.
Polinar said that aside from enforcing the gun ban, violations such as failure to wear helmets, driving without a license, and expired or missing vehicle registration papers will also be addressed.
Only individuals authorized by the Comelec to carry firearms will be allowed to bring guns outside their homes, and they must be properly concealed.
A challenge facing the Philippine National Police (PNP) is the lack of deputation by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), which means that police officers manning the checkpoints cannot confiscate driver’s licenses or issue temporary operators permits (TOP) for traffic violations.
The PNP has not received LTO deputation in Negros Oriental for years.
Currently, six members of the PNP Highway Patrol Team are attending an LTO deputation seminar in Cebu City.
PEMS Aurelio Bodo, chief of the PNP Highway Patrol Team in Negros Oriental, assured that his team will assist in managing checkpoints at strategic locations across the province. (Judy F. Partlow/PNA)