The Rizal Police Provincial Office (Rizal PPO) on Thursday, 12 February, held a send-off ceremony in preparation for the upcoming special election in the second district of Antipolo City.

The activity was led by Rizal police provincial director P/Col. Eleazar Barber Jr., together with Commission on Elections (Comelec) provincial election supervisor Atty. Arnulfo Pioquinto, and command group and staff officers.

The ceremony was held at the Rizal PPO parade ground around 7 a.m.

Deployed police personnel are expected to further intensify security measures to ensure a safe, orderly, and fair election.

In his message, Pioquinto expressed his full support and heartfelt gratitude to the police force for their dedication and steadfast commitment to maintaining peace and order during the elections.

The ceremony was immediately followed by an inspection of troops and blessing to ensure the readiness, adequate equipment, and response capability of the police force for any situation that may arise during the special election.

The Rizal PPO also provided security assistance during the ocular inspection conducted by Comelec at the Rizal Provincial Capitol, led by Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia.

Barber personally led efforts to ensure a smooth, safe, and organized flow of activities as part of the preparations and coordination for the upcoming special election in the city.

Rizal Governor Nina Ricci Ynares also attended the activity, showing support and coordination with Comelec and the police to ensure the smooth implementation of election-related plans and programs.

According to Comelec, seven candidates filed their certificates of candidacy for the 14 March special election in the second district of Antipolo City.

The seven aspirants vying for the House seat vacated following the passing of Antipolo City second district Representative Romeo Acop last December are Dandin Infante, Reden Llaga, Lorenzo Sumulong III, Ma. Trinidad Galang, Philip Conrad Acop, Nathaniel Lobigas, and Irvin Paulo Tapales.