PNP to bolster security for local campaign period

(INQUIRER FILE PHOTO /LYN RILLON)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) will ramp up the deployment of its personnel during the local campaign period for the 2025 midterm elections.

The campaign period for local candidates is set to begin on Friday, March 28.

“Instruction ng ating Chief PNP ay dagdagan pa natin yung mga kapulisan nating magde-deploy doon sa mga areas of engagement pati na rin doon sa mga areas of public convergence… para mabilis ang magiging responde natin in case may mga reported incidents tayo,” PNP Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said in a virtual briefing on Wednesday.

(The instruction of the PNP chiefis to increase the number of police officers that we will deploy  in the areas of engagement as well as the areas of public convergence… so that the response will be fast in case we have reported incidents.)

In a separate statement also on Wednesday, PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil said he directed all regional, provincial, city and municipal police commanders to “[ensure] that the electoral process remains peaceful, honest and orderly.”

“We have established police assistance desks at campaign venues and deployed additional personnel to vulnerable areas. Our quick reaction forces are on standby. Let it be clear: we are ready,” Marbil added.

READ: NCRPO chief vows ‘comprehensive’ security for local campaign period

Commission on Elections (Comelec) data on the number of local positions at stake are as follows.

Congressional – 254

Governor -82

Vice-governor – 82

Sangguniang Panlalawigan – 840

City mayor – 149

City vice-mayor – 149

Sangguniang Panlungsod – 1,690

Municipal mayor – 1.493

Municipal vice-mayor – 1,493

Sangguniang Bayan – 11,948