Over 12,000 Central Luzon cops deployed for May 12 polls

DEPLOYMENT. Personnel from the Angeles City Police Office gather in formation. (Photo courtesy of PRO-3)

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — More than 12,000 police officers from the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO-3) have been deployed across various polling precincts in Central Luzon for the May 12 midterm elections.

In a statement on Wednesday, PRO-3 said the deployment, which began on Sunday, includes personnel from local police stations and from provincial and regional headquarters.

“This widespread mobilization of our personnel is part of our mandate to guarantee a safe, free and accountable election,” PRO-3 chief Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said.

“Our focus is not only on securing polling centers but also on protecting the rights of every voter.”

The entire Central Luzon has been placed under full alert status.

As part of the full alert status from May 3 to 15, Quick Reaction Forces and Reactionary Standby Support Forces have been activated respond to any incidents of violence or disruption to the elections.

Fajardo urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities to authorities.

“We encourage everyone to work hand-in-hand with law enforcement. Public cooperation is key in achieving a peaceful and orderly election,” she said.

Central Luzon is among the regions being closely monitored due to its large voting population.

The region also has 14 areas identified as election areas of concern by the Comelec./apl