The Department of Interior and Local Government yesterday assured the Philippine National Police is ready to ensure peaceful and orderly elections on May 13.
The PNP has strengthened its security measures by raising from 143,000 to 160,000 the number of police personnel who will be deployed for election duties.
PNP spokesperson Police Col. Bernard Banac said the PNP has remained on full alert status since before the Holy Week.
Banac said the number of policemen securing the elections was increased to further boost peace and order management before, during, and even after the Election Day.
“The PNP remains on full alert and increased the deployment of cops to 160,000 personnel,” Banac said.
“We assure the public that focused operations will be more active and the campaign against criminal gangs, wanted persons, gun for hire and private armed groups, and loose firearms and violators of the Comelec gun ban through service of warrants of arrest and implementation of search warrants, checkpoint operations, and police patrol response ‘Oplan: Sita and Galugad’ as well high-value targets in illegal drugs will be intensified,” Banac said.
Banac said the PNP has not received any threats in connection with the elections.
PNP chief Police Gen. Oscar Albayalde reminded police officers to stay neutral and non-partisan in the elections.
Albayalde said the only role of police officers is to ensure peace and security, especially in election hotspots.
DILG spokesman Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology is ready to assist more than 44,000 Persons Deprived of Liberty in the city, district, and municipal jails nationwide in participating in the May 13 polls. (Chito A. Chavez)
