1 month ago
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CEBU CITY — With the May 2025 midterm elections approaching, law enforcement authorities have identified 16 election hotspots in Central Visayas, prompting heightened security preparations.
BGen. Redrico Maranan, the newly appointed regional director of the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7), outlined security strategies de-signed to ensure peaceful and orderly elections.
Maranan, after his first official meeting with Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, said that each provincial police office has been directed to imple-ment measures tailored to their respective jurisdictions.
He also emphasized a multi-faceted approach, focusing on securing polling precincts, safeguarding Commission on Elections (Comelec) personnel and candidates, and protecting key election infrastructure, including canvassing centers.
One of his top priorities is to curb vote buying, which he identified as a major threat to election integrity. PRO-7 will also tighten security around elec-tion materials to prevent fraud and ensure a fair voting process.
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Authorities have assured the public that all necessary precautions are in place to maintain order and uphold the credibility of the upcoming polls.
Maranan said that after assuming his post on Jan. 10, he made it a priority to meet with Comelec officials during the third Regional Security Council Meeting to reinforce the readiness of the region's police force.
While there are 16 areas flagged for concern, including 14 in Negros Oriental and two in Bohol, Maranan assured that Cebu City remains free from elec-tion-related issues.
To safeguard Negros Oriental, an additional 200 officers will be deployed. Maranan will also be personally monitoring these identified hotspots.
As for security against private armed groups, Maranan reported the existence of one named "The Teves Group" and pledged further operations to dis-mantle criminal networks mobilized for election interference.
Following the meeting, Maranan expressed his gratitude for the collaborative efforts from Cebu City officials, especially after a smooth Sinulog celebra-tion, for which Garcia rated the security measures "excellent."
Maranan responded by reinforcing that the strength of Cebu's peacekeeping efforts will be maintained with the full backing of city leadership.
Meanwhile, Garcia updated Maranan on the city's ongoing renovations for the Cebu City Police Office headquarters, worth P50 million, ensuring that local police forces are well-equipped for future security operations.
As he settles into his role, Maranan reflected on the critical responsibility of keeping peace and order, assuring residents that with dedicated efforts from both law enforcement and local government, Cebu City will remain a secure locale in the run-up to the elections.
