Deputy Director General Ager Ontog, commander of the PNP National Task Force SAFE 2013, said that due to “intense political rivalries”, six local government units in Metro Manila are being closely monitored should any problems occur. He clarified that these areas are not considered as election hot spots or areas of concern.
However, he could not name the cities or municipalities as the local officials might raise protests about any implications or statements about the matter. The preparation is in line with the PNP’s thrust to lower the incidence of election-related disturbances and violence. So far, there have been 66 such incidents nationwide, with 42 fatalities, Inquirer News reported.
