DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año warned local officials on Thursday, March 24, 2022, against the use of government resources in campaign activities.Año said the use of government-owned resources is prohibited and punishable by law.“’Yung hinahakot at ginagamit ay mga LGU (local government units) vehicles. Bawal yan, hindi pupuwede yan. Tao, materyal, financial, hindi pupuwede yan na pag-aari ng gobyerno ay gagamitin,” he said.(The use of LGU vehicles, government workers, materials, funds in campaigning is not allowed.)He urged the public to be vigilant and immediately report to authorities, particularly the Commission on Elections campaign committee, such unlawful election practices for investigation.He noted the effectiveness of exposing erring individuals, particularly candidates, on social media to deter election offenses.Año also reminded barangay officials that “any semblance of campaigning,” including the wearing of outfits akin to the political color of a candidate is illegal, emphasizing that they should be “apolitical.”He also reminded the public on the strict compliance to the minimum public health standards (MPHS) to prevent the spread of coronavirus, especially as campaign sorties are expected to draw big crowds.As the campaign period for local positions set to start on Friday, March 25, Año said additional troops will be deployed in around 40 to 50 areas in the country to deter possible election-related violence.He said these areas include the Bicol Region, Northern Luzon and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm).Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Dionardo Carlos said they have monitored some private armed groups in Soccsksargen and Barmm that may be used amid the campaign season.The Armed Forces of the Philippines, for its part, said seven cities and 39 towns in the country may be under threat due to the upcoming polls.PNP spokesperson Colonel Jean Fajardo said as the local campaign period is expected to be “more intense” than the national, the PNP has implemented some security adjustments to maintain peace and order, as well as for the observance of MPHS.She said they are continuously monitoring the situation on the ground to deter possible violence. (SunStar Philippines)