Marbil orders crackdown on vote-buying ahead of 2025 polls

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Marbil talks with reporters during the PNP Day celebration at Camp Crame, Quezon City on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025. —File photo by Jason Sigales | INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil has ordered the agency to intensify its efforts against vote-buying, with three days to go before Election Day.

The PNP is a member of the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) Committee on Kontra Bigay, launched last February, ahead of the campaign period.

“Marbil has issued a directive to all regional directors and field commanders to bolster operations against vote-buying and vote-selling activities,” the PNP said in a statement on Friday.

“Several reports of vote buying across the country are now under active investigation, and appropriate charges will be filed against violators as evidence warrants,” it added.

READ: PNP urges public to report vote-buying, selling

Logistics support

In another statement on Friday, the PNP said it was ready to deploy 53 of its mobile assets to assist with logistics throughout the election period. This included 20 vans, 19 minibuses, eight trucks, five buses, and one patrol jeep.

READ: PNP on ‘full alert’ starting May 3 to ensure `safest’ election

“These mobility assets will be utilized as part of the PNP’s comprehensive election preparedness plan, ensuring transportation support for personnel and logistics, as well as enabling swift responses to any emergency needs,” the agency said./mcm