The Philippine National Police recently created the Task Force H.O.P.E. or "Honest, Orderly and Peaceful Elections" to beef up its security and operational measures.

Insp. Rosalinda Abellon said Task Force HOPE will be set up in all towns and cities in the province, and election monitoring and assistance centers will be put up in the local level.

Abellon said Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio Bunye has assured the public of the support of non-partisan law enforcement agencies.

The provincial police office will also enter into a peace covenant with local political parties during the election period, he said. Threat groups such as partisan armed groups and cessationist terrorist movements which might disrupt the peace and order situation during the polls will also be identified.

"We will also identify election areas of concern or areas where there are intense political rivalry and areas where there are internal security operations affectations," Abellon said.

Checkpoints will likewise be set up and they are now organizing two teams for the Comelec and PNP checkpoint operations, she said.

Abellon also said the provincial police will strictly enforce the ban on firearms and deadly weapons and the use of unauthorized bodyguards during the election period.*RG

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