National Police chief Director General Oscar D. Albayalde on Thursday said they were looking at 18 cities and municipalities around the country that may be accorded with “special attention” in view of the upcoming plebiscite in Mindanao and the national elections, given the possibility that violence may erupt in these areas.
Emerging from a meeting with Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Sheriff Abas and Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., the police chief said, “We already have a list, but not necessarily that all these 18 cities and municipalities will be under Comelec control.”
Albayalde added: “We are very much ready, that is why we made this final coordinating conference, although we will still do a series of conference before, during and after the conduct of the plebiscite and also before, during and after the conduct of local and national elections.”
Abas, for his part, said that they are also considering placing Cotabato City under Comelec control in relation to the January 21 plebiscite for the Bangsamoro Organic Law and the city of Daraga in Albay for the local elections.