Abra governor confident with PNP, AFP’s professionalism in the upcoming polls

March 17, 2019 Provincial

BANGUED, Abra – Abra Governor Ma. Jocelyn Valera-Bernos reiterated her confidence the military and police will display the highest sense of professionalism in the upcoming midterm polls in May.
This developed amidst President Duterte’s continued assurances that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) would remain nonpartisan in the polls.
Gov. Bernos, herself a reserved Philippine Army Lieutenant Colonel, assured Abrenians, they can be certain that the “will of the electorate” will be guarded with utmost care.
Earlier in the province, the Commission on Elections, policemen and the military renewed their commitment in ensuring honest, fair and peaceful elections.
Abra had earlier activated “Abra Shield”, a unique public safety force composed of 1501st Regional Mobile First Battalion, 22nd Special Action Company, PNP-Special Action Force, and Provincial Mobile Force Company to implement the gun ban and to intensify the anti-crime operations against loose firearms and private armed groups.
Aside from checkpoints, policemen had been on more than the usual foot and mobile patrols all over the province.
The Philippine Army stationed in the province had pledged support to the local law enforcement operations by the police while strengthening their c o u n t e r – i n s u r g e n c y campaigns.
Gov. Bernos appealed from the highest down to the lowest ranked policeman and soldier not to allow themselves to be used by politicians.
The lady governor reminded them to side with the law always and perform their mandate: “to serve the country and their fellow Filipinos”.

Artemio A. Dumlao/AB