The Bohol Provincial Police Office (BPPO) will be on the lookout for private armed groups in the province, which usually operate during the election season in the service of politicians.
According to BPPO director Sr. Supt. Angeles Geñorga, there have been armed men spotted in the previous polls. However, he noted that they still do not meet the parameters to be considered as armed groups.
“Sa ngayon wala tayong categorized as private armed groups dito sa Bohol…mga 1 or 2 pa, ilan-ilan lang yan na namonitor natin na in the past na may dala-dala silang baril pero kung titingnan mo yung parameters ng private armed groups hindi pa naman pumapasok,” said Geñorga.
Police in the province launched preparations for the May 2019 midterm elections starting the filing of certificates of candidacy on October 11.
The BPPO will also maintain its coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the province as part of preparations for the polls, said Geñorga.
Meanwhile, police personnel in the province and across the country are expected to be temporarily reshuffled during the election period.
During the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in May this year, only police officers related to candidates were reassigned. (rt)