MANILA – The government is set to investigate donations made by Chinese nationals recently arrested for alleged espionage, following reports that they provided cash and vehicles to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and various local government units (LGUs).
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro assured the public on Monday that authorities will thoroughly examine the matter.
“As of now, we are studying this. If these donations were given in good faith, we need to determine that because receiving donations is not necessarily wrong,” Castro said during a Malacañang press briefing.
She noted that during the pandemic, several localities, including Davao City, received various donations from China, such as ambulances and vehicles. While accepting donations is generally acceptable, Castro emphasized the need to scrutinize whether they were made with ulterior motives.
Four of the five arrested Chinese nationals—Wang Yongyi, Wu Junren, Cai Shaohuang, and Chen Haitao—allegedly have ties to Chinese Communist Party-affiliated groups that facilitated the donations. They were apprehended in late January for reportedly gathering images and maps of Philippine naval forces near the West Philippine Sea.
Castro reiterated that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will not ignore the issue, stressing that it must be investigated to ensure that no public officials were unknowingly manipulated.
“The President will not let this pass. If such reports reach us, they must be investigated,” she added.
Key Points:
Authorities will probe whether donations were made in good faith or with hidden intentions.
Four arrested Chinese nationals are linked to donations to PNP and LGUs.
The President has vowed a thorough investigation to prevent potential security threats.
ia/mnm
MANILA — As the national election campaign officially begins on Tuesday (11 Feb 2025), the Philippine National Police (PNP) has committed to ramping up security efforts, particularly in high-risk areas, to ensure the protection of political candidates and their supporters.
Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, PNP spokesperson, confirmed in a press conference at Camp Crame that additional security personnel will be deployed across the country to handle the expected influx of national candidates from the National Capital Region (NCR) to Visayas and Mindanao.
“We are prepared to provide security coverage for the expected arrival of national candidates in key regions. Our forces are ready for deployment from NCR to the provinces,” Fajardo said.
She explained that the PNP will be sending more personnel to 403 areas previously identified by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as areas of concern. “The PNP chief, Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, has directed that we fully utilize all available resources and personnel,” she added.
Fajardo assured that heightened security measures will be in place for areas classified as yellow, orange, and red, referring to the risk levels established by Comelec. “In high-risk areas, we will be deploying more personnel to ensure safety,” she stated.
In addition to PNP forces, regional and provincial mobile units will be mobilized in coordination with other government agencies, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).
The spokesperson also emphasized the importance of maintaining smooth operations at Comelec checkpoints. “We urge our personnel to be courteous and efficient to avoid unnecessary delays for supporters and candidates passing through,” Fajardo said. “However, we also ask everyone to respect the checkpoints in place.”
The election campaign for local candidates is set to begin on March 28.
ia/mnm
MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is in ongoing discussions with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to establish clear guidelines for the “Oplan Katok” (Operation Knock) ahead of the May 12 midterm elections.
The goal is to ensure the initiative is executed without causing harassment or intimidation, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said during a media briefing on Wednesday (05 Feb 2025).
“Laudiangco emphasized that both agencies are working to find common ground, ensuring that PNP mandates are followed while safeguarding against potential abuses that could negatively impact the public’s trust in the election process.
“We want to ensure proper safeguards are in place to avoid misuse and prevent any chilling effect on citizens,” he added.
PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil defended “Oplan Katok” as part of regular operations, stressing that its intent was to ensure responsible firearm ownership and prevent illegal firearms from circulating, not to engage in political intimidation.
100-Day Countdown for Elections
The PNP also launched a 100-day countdown to increase awareness of the threats posed by “3Gs” (guns, goons, and gold) and fake news, which Marbil emphasized could influence the upcoming elections.
“While preparations have been ongoing since the filing of Certificates of Candidacy, the 100-day countdown focuses on combating these risks and creating awareness,” Marbil stated. He further directed the PNP to enhance operations against loose firearms and increase patrols in election hotspots to maintain peace and order.
“Our goal is to make the 2025 elections the safest possible,” Marbil said. “It’s a shared responsibility to ensure a fair election.”
Local Absentee Voting Reminders
Meanwhile, Laudiangco reminded qualified voters to apply for local absentee voting (LAV) by March 7. LAV is available to PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel, Comelec staff, and media members, allowing them to vote in advance on April 28-30.
For uniformed services, applications should be submitted by March 10. The LAV system enables eligible individuals to vote ahead of Election Day to accommodate their official duties.
ia/mnm
MANILA – Lejun dela Cruz, a nominee for the Magsasaka party-list, was arrested in Pasig City on Sunday (02 Feb 2025) in connection with a 1992 murder case.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) denied claims of abduction or assassination attempts, clarifying the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
During a press briefing at Camp Crame on Monday, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo stated that dela Cruz was apprehended on a murder warrant issued by a Las Piñas court.
Dela Cruz, a former commander of the Alex Boncayao Brigade, a notorious urban assassination unit linked to the New People’s Army, attempted to flee when police tried to arrest him. The pursuit ended in Pasig.
Dela Cruz’s team claimed he fled after plainclothes officers, who were not in uniform, attempted to stop him and fired shots. Fajardo countered, stating that it was actually dela Cruz who caused damage during his escape, crashing into several vehicles and injuring a police officer, who is now hospitalized with a fractured pelvis.
The PNP clarified that the officers were in civilian clothing as part of a discreet operation.
“It’s crucial for officers to be in plain clothes for such a warrant service to avoid compromising the mission,” Fajardo explained, adding that uniformed backup officers were present during the arrest.
Currently in the custody of the Eastern Police District in Marikina City, dela Cruz faces additional charges, including violations of the election gun ban, malicious mischief, and illegal possession of firearms. Fajardo stated that the arrest would have been smooth had dela Cruz cooperated.
In a separate matter, Fajardo confirmed that Senior M/Sgt. Timothy Joseph Virtucio, a vlogger, was placed under restrictive custody at the Police Regional Office-Calabarzon in Calamba, Laguna, after a rape complaint was filed against him. Investigations are ongoing, with the victim currently in ICU. Fajardo noted that the victim’s mental condition is unstable, and further details are pending.
ia/mmn
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the restoration of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) information technology (IT) budget, following significant cuts in the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
The President also instructed the removal of additional intelligence funds added to the PNP’s budget.
In a press briefing on Tuesday (21 Jan 2025), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla revealed that several crucial PNP IT projects were heavily reduced. These included:
National Police Clearance System: From PHP600 million to PHP232 million
Safe Camp Security System: From PHP472 million to PHP161 million
PNP Drug-Related Data Integration System: From PHP533 million to PHP196 million
While these vital programs faced budget slashes, nearly PHP1 billion was allocated for All-Terrain Amphibious Vehicles in the Bicol Region, and an additional PHP500 million was added to the PNP’s intelligence fund.
In response, President Marcos instructed Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman to revert the IT budget to its original amount and remove the extra PHP500 million in intelligence funds. This decision will allow for the reallocation of funds to strengthen the 911 emergency hotline system.
Remulla noted that the additional intelligence funds were not part of the original congressional budget discussions and were added without prior consultation, prompting the removal.
ia/mnm
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson, Police Col. Jean Fajardo, assured the public on Saturday, September 7, 2024, that there will be no special treatment for dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo.
When asked how the PNP can guarantee no preferential treatment for Guo, Fajardo urged the public to trust the police.
“You have to trust your PNP; there will truly be no special treatment. When she was first brought to the custodial facility, we thoroughly documented it,” Fajardo said in a radio interview.
She added, “What you see in other detention facilities is exactly where Alice Guo is now being held,” noting that the former mayor is using the same detention cell previously occupied by former senator Leila de Lima.
Guo arrived in the country on September 6 at around 1:30 a.m.
Meanwhile, the Capas Regional Trial Court, Branch 109, has allowed Guo to attend the Senate hearing on Monday at 10 a.m., which will investigate illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
ia/mnm
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Philippine National Police spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo reported on Friday, August 30, 2024, that authorities have searched approximately 40 to 50 percent of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ Compound (KOJC).
Today marks the seventh day of executing arrest warrants against KOJC Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and four others.
“About 40 to 50 percent of the area has been inspected so far. Remember, the compound spans over 30 hectares, and there are still buildings we haven’t examined,” Fajardo said during a press conference.
She added, “Our current focus is on areas where we detect possible human activity underground. We are using specialized equipment and devices for this.”
Fajardo noted that the search for the underground facility is slow due to the “thick stones and metals” involved.
Meanwhile, Police Regional Officer-11 Special Task Group (STG) Teknon Alpha spokesperson Jerick Filosofo believes Quiboloy is still within the KOJC compound.
“Our intelligence reports and other indicators suggest that Pastor Quiboloy is still in the KOJC,” Filosofo said.
ia/mnm
Pinaimbestigahan ngayon sa himpilan ng pulisya Kampo Krame ang isang kernel sa Batangas City dahil umano sa pagiging pasimuno nito sa ilegal na sugal sa halos buong Calabarzon.
Sa sumbong na ipinarating sa punong himpilan ng kapulisan sa Quezon City ay sinabing hindi lang umano protektor ng mga ilegalista ang naturang police colonel kundi siya mismo ay may sariling bookies ng mga ipinagbabawal na sugal kagaya ng jueteng.
“Ang paglaganap ng ilegal na sugal sa halos buong rehiyon ng Calabarzon, katulad ng jueteng, lotto at small town lottery bookies, at iba pa, ay natitiyak naming hindi mangyayari kung naging tapat lang si kernel at ang ikanyang mga tauhan sa kanilang sinumpaang tungkulin,” pahayag ng nagsusumbong na konsehal ng Lipa City, na nakiusap na itago ang kanyang pagkakakilanlan para sa kanyang kaligtasan.
Kinilala ng nagsumbong na konsehal ang nasabing opisyal ng PNP na isang alyas kernel RISU, na ipinagyayabang ng mga ilegalista sa buong Batangas na kumikita ng isang milyon-pisong arawang kubransa mula sa kanyang sariling mga ilegal na bookies.
Si kernel RISU ay bantog sa erya ng Lipa dahil kinikilala umano ito bilang natatanging hari o supremo ng mga ilegalista sa buong Batangas.
“Hindi siya pinakikialaman ng kanyang mga bossing sa regional headquarters ng kapulisan ng Calabarzon dahil sa ipinagyabang ng kanyang mga tauhan na kanyang koneksiyon sa nakaupong PNP chief na si Gen. Rommel Marbil.
Pero itinatanggi naman ng opisina ng hepe ng buong kapulisan sa Kampo Krame na walang katotohanan ang ipinamamalita ng mga ilegalista na may pagkonsente si Gen. Marbil, hindi lang sa sinasabing supremo ng ilegaliata sa Batangas, kundi sa lahat na miyembro ng kapulisan na may gawaing tiwali o ilegal. (END)
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated on Friday that he has not received any reports indicating active senior officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) are planning to remove him from power.
This statement came after former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV cautioned about a brewing destabilization plot allegedly being orchestrated by police officials.
Addressing reporters in General Santos City, the President remarked, “We don’t have any report of (a coup) within the (PNP) ranks.”
However, he acknowledged, “Perhaps there could be some movement among retired police officers, participating in the alleged destabilization effort.”
Marcos dismissed the notion of conducting a loyalty check for PNP members. “I don’t understand what is meant by a loyalty check. What do you ask people during these checks? Will you inquire, ‘Are you loyal to me?’ Naturally, they would respond, ‘yes,’ even if they aren’t loyal. But we will scrutinize their records,” he explained.
The President emphasized that it was irrelevant whether police officers had voted for him in 2022 as long as they remained dedicated professionals. “For me, even if I didn’t receive your vote, it’s acceptable as long as you fulfill your duties properly and professionally,” he affirmed.
“Simply do your job well. That’s all I ask of our police and armed forces,” he reiterated.
During a media briefing on Tuesday, Trillanes claimed that senior police officers have been actively recruiting members for the purported destabilization plot.
(Filed by el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In line with the effort to effectively fight crime and prevent potential abuses, the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday revealed that it has requested the procurement of an additional 4,000 body-worn cameras next year.
In 2021, the PNP launched a body-worn camera system for the police to ensure transparency and legitimacy of law-enforcement operations.
However, the PNP claimed their current supply of the device remains a challenge at only nearly 3,000 units.
“For 2024, I understand ay merong additional na at least nasa around 4,000 ata ‘yung request namin na kasama sa budget. Hopefully by next year ay ma-fulfill na ‘yung kaunti nating variant. Hindi man ‘yung kabuuan ng 45,000 pero at least, base sa huling budget hearing, ay kasama sa 2024 budget ‘yung procurement ng additional body-worn cameras,” PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said in a Super Radyo dzBB interview.
She lamented that the police force now only uses a total of 2,956 body cameras — far from the ideal number of at least 40,000 to 45,000.
Fajardo said that since there is a very limited supply of body-worn cameras, the PNP has prioritized its distribution to personnel in police stations, as well as its national operational support units like the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Drug Enforcement Group, Anti-Kidnapping Group, and Anti-Cybercrime Group.
“‘Yung isang unit lamang ng camera would cost more than P135,000, kung hindi ako nagkakamali. Kasi hindi lang siya isang camera, kasama doon ang program, ‘yung docking station, ‘yung GPS capability niya, at internet at SIM capability niya,” the PNP spokesperson disclosed.
(IAmigo/MNM)
MANILA — In response to the tragic bombing incident during a Catholic mass at the Mindanao State University gymnasium in Marawi City, which claimed the lives of four worshipers and left several individuals critically injured, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has elevated security measures in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Photographs depict officers from the Manila Police District (MPD) Station 5 conducting a checkpoint along Taft Ave. in Manila on Friday, December 5, 2023. This proactive measure aligns with the aftermath of the bombing in MSU and in anticipation of the upcoming Christmas rush.
(Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)
KINONDENA ngayon ng maraming matitinong miyembro ng Pambansang Pulisya ang isang retiradong heneral, na dati nilang kasama, na umano’y nasa likod ng talamak ngayong ilegal na online sabong.
“Ang nakakadismaya ay sobrang kapal ng mukha nitong aming ine-idolo noon kasi nagpapalitrato siya sa kasalukuyang PNP Chief Benjamin Acorda Jr. at ipinamamalitang may basbas ng Camp Crame ang kanyang E-Sabong operations,” ngitngit na pahayag ng isang kernel sa anti-crime unit ng nasabing kampo.
Kinilala ng nagbunyag na kernel ang nasabing nasa likod ng talamak na illegal online cockfights na si Alyas Heneral Abusado, dahil sobra umano nitong inabuso ang pagiging pagkaibigan nila ni Gen. Acorda.
Ang operations base ng E-Sabong ng grupo ng heneral na abusado ay nasa lungsod ng Antipolo at puntirya ng kanyang pamimili ng mga pipitsuging mga manok ay ang buong Luzon hanggang Kabisayaan.
Sa loob at labas naman ng bansa ang kanyang ilegal na pagpapataya na unano’y maging mga menor de edad ay nalululong na sa nasabing ilegal na online sabong.
Kasama ng abusadong heneral ang ilang tiwaling kagawad ng lokal na kapulisan na siya naman umanong nagbibiigay ng proteksiyon sa operasyon ng ilegal na E-Sabong.
“Ginagamit ding pananakot ng abusadong heneral ang ‘selfie picture’ nila ng PNP chief sa mga nakabababang ranggong pulis na ayaw mag-cooperate sa kanyang raket,” dagdag na sabi ng nagsumbong na kernel.
“Ipinanawagan na namin dito sa Camp Crame sa kay Sec. Abalos at Pangulong Bongbong Marcos na dapat nang tuldukan ang ilegal na online sabong nitong abusadong heneral para maniwala kaming mga uniformed men na seryoso at determinado ang pamunuan ng gobyerno sa pagpapatupad ng ating mga batas,” pagtatapos na pahayag ni kernel.
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros has lauded the Philippine National Police for their prompt response in relieving Pasay City police officers from their positions following the discovery of a sex den close to the police station.
Allegedly, a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) was involved in illegal acts of human trafficking near the police station.
“It’s hard to believe that such blatant torture and prostitution were occurring in a large building, and they were unaware of it? It’s impossible,” Hontiveros remarked.
The Committee on Women will conduct an on-site inspection of the building on Friday to assess the extent of the issue, the senator added.
“We extend our gratitude to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, and the PNP Women and Children Protection Center for leading the raid that exposed the illegal activities in this POGO and for rescuing the victims of human trafficking,” Hontiveros expressed.
Earlier, PNP Spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo stated that the Pasay Police chief is under investigation for possible neglect of duty, considering that this Pogo establishment has been operating for a significant period.
“How is it possible that they did not detect the presence of illegal activities in the area?” Fajardo previously questioned.
(ai/mnm)
By Liezelle Soriano
The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Thursday that the observance of Undas 2023 was generally peaceful, with approximately three million individuals visiting cemeteries.
PNP spokesperson PCol. Jean Fajardo stated that the police continue to monitor the situation as they expect more Filipinos to visit cemeteries.
“Kahapon, almost three (3) million individuals were observed entering and exiting cemeteries across the nation, and today, our security coverage continues as we anticipate more visitors,” Fajardo mentioned in a Teleradyo interview.
“Overall, the observance of Undas has proceeded smoothly, with no major incidents recorded,” she added.
Fajardo also mentioned that police regional directors will decide on Friday whether to lower the alert status in their respective regions.
She emphasized that authorities are prepared for the expected return of tourists who spent the Undas and barangay election break in the provinces and are now returning to Metro Manila.
(ai/mnm)
MANILA — Umabot sa halos isang milyon ang bilang ng mga indibidwal na nagtungo at bumisita sa mga puntod ng kanilang mga yumaong kaanak sa Manila North Cemetery.
Ito’y ayon sa Philippine National Police na nakadeploy sa MNC at anila, ang datos ay nakalap mula nang buksan ang nasabing sementeryo dakong alas-4:00 ng madaling araw ng Miyerkoles.
Sa entrance pa lamang ng Manila North Cemetery ay mahaba na ang pila dahil isa-isang iniinspeksiyon ang mga bag at dala-dalahan ng mga bumibisita.
Samantala, dakong alas-9 ng umaga nitong Miyerkoles (November 1) ay bumisita rin si PNP Chief General Benjamin Acorda Jr. at kinumpirma na walang banta sa seguridad sa paggunita ng Undas.
Sa pagtungo nito sa MNC, sinabi ni Acorda na wala silang natatanggap at nakakalap na impormasyon hinggil sa banta ng panggugulo ngayong Undas.
Ayon pa sa PNP chief, ipauubaya niya sa area commanders ang pananatili ng seguridad at antas ng alerto depende sa sitwasyon sa kanilang lugar.
(Ulat at potograpiya ni Benjie Cuaresma/ai/mnm)
MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Wednesday that they have not received any threats related to the upcoming observance of All Saints’ Day, otherwise known as Undas. However, they will continue to maintain vigilance and monitor potential risks.
“So far, we have not received any threats. Our monitoring efforts will remain ongoing,” Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr., the Chief of the PNP said during an impromptu interview with reporters at the Manila North Cemetery, the country’s biggest necropolis.
Acorda shared that over 37,000 police personnel have been deployed throughout the country to ensure the security of the Undas observance.
To assess security measures, Acorda personally inspected the Manila North Cemetery at 9 a.m. on Wednesday. He noted that only a few dangerous items were confiscated from visitors upon their entry into the cemetery. Additionally, he reported that there have been no instances of disorder at cemeteries nationwide.
In a separate statement, the PNP highlighted comprehensive plans for crowd control, traffic management, and public safety during Undas. Law enforcement officers, along with other agencies and force multipliers, were stationed at key locations, including 3,808 memorial parks, public cemeteries, and columbaria.
The public was urged to remain vigilant in securing their homes when absent and to exercise caution in crowded areas. The PNP encouraged individuals to report any suspicious activities or persons to the nearest police officers or through the PNP hotlines.
Motorists were also reminded to follow traffic regulations and cooperate with authorities to ensure smooth traffic flow.
Acorda emphasized, “We want everyone to be able to observe this significant tradition without any concerns for their well-being. Our officers are fully prepared to ensure a peaceful environment for everyone.”
He added, “The PNP would like to remind the public that safety is a shared responsibility. By working together, we can guarantee a peaceful and secure Undas observance for everyone.”
On Tuesday, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo cautioned the public about common crimes during Undas, saying, “Normally, when there is a large volume of people, we observe crimes such as theft, pickpocketing, and physical injuries.”
(Report & photography by Benjie Cuaresma/ai/mnm)
Elements of the Philippine National Police have been monitoring the steady influx of visitors to the Manila North Cemetery since Tuesday, 31 October 2023.
As of 10 a.m. on Wednesday, 01 November 2023 (All Saints’ Day), their number accordingly reached 100,000 and counting.
Located in the City of Manila, the country’s capital, this modern necropolis holds a community of an estimated 10 to 50 thousand
Filipinos that live alongside the over one million dead in PH’s largest cemetery.
(ai/mnm)
Ni Liezelle Soriano
UMABOT sa 244 ang bilang ng mga karahasan na naitala sa pagdaraos ng barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE), ayon sa Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Ang datos na ito ng Comelec ay nagmula sa Philippine National Police (PNP).
Saklaw nito ang huling araw ng Oktubre, ayon pa sa poll body.
Samantala, umabot naman sa 19 ang kabuuang bilang ng mga namatay sa kasagsagan ng eleksiyon.
“We hope this will be the end of it,” wika ni Comelec Spokesperson Rex Laudiangco.
“Though the figures are quite high, they are really low compared to the figures from the 2013 and 2018 barangay elections, where we had more than 300 election-related incidents and deaths,” dagdag pa niya.
Sinabi pa niya na karamihan sa mga nasawi ay nagmula sa Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Aniya, karamihan sa mga napatay ay mga tagasuporta o kamag-anak ng mga kandidato.
(AI/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
WITH THE ONGOING FEVERISH CAMPAIGN for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) this coming Monday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) placed the entire country under red alert and deployed 187,600 personnel to ensure peace and order.
PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. on Friday disclosed the full deployment of 187,600 PNP personnel for election duties on Saturday, October 28, with the alert status raised to full alert.
“Your dedication and professionalism are indispensable in upholding public trust and preserving the democratic process. I urge each and every one of you to remain vigilant, impartial, and devoted to your duty. Remember, the integrity of our electoral system rests upon our shoulders, and the nation relies on us to guarantee a peaceful and equitable election,” Acorda Jr. said in a press briefing at the Camp Crame headquarters in Quezon City.
Acknowledging the recent pre-poll violence in Cotabato, Abra Masbate, and other critical areas, Acorda Jr. said the PNP’s objective is to provide a safe and secure environment for all voters.
“First and foremost, I would like to underscore that the PNP has strategically deployed personnel nationwide to ensure the preparedness and security of our localities for the forthcoming electoral process. This is especially crucial in remote areas and those with a history of election-related incidents,” the PNP chief stressed.
He added that the deployment of police forces depends on the regional commander’s discretion based on the prevailing peace and security situation in their respective areas of operational control and supervision.
(ai/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
ANTICIPATING THE MASSIVE WITHDRAWAL of teachers from their poll duties in the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE), the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday reiterated its readiness and said that 5,558 policemen will substitute the teachers who withdraw as electoral board members.
The PNP made the assurance amid reports that some teachers in Cotabato City and Abra have backed out of the task due to fear of violence.
“Maaga pa lamang ay in-anticipate na ito ng PNP kaya meron po tayong naka-standby na 5,588 na trained na PNP na puwede pong mag-serve as special board of electoral inspector po,” said PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo in an interview with GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita.
Meanwhile, in order to ensure a peaceful election, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reminded the voters of the following “do’s and don’ts”:
Do’s:
* Know your precinct number and voting center.
* When voting, use the folder to cover your ballot.
* Avoid erasures and leaving unnecessary marks on the ballot.
* After voting, submit the ballot and leave the voting precinct to make space for other voters.
Don’ts:
* Vote more than once or be a substitute for other voters.
* Do not tear or destroy the ballot.
* Do not take a photo or a selfie with the ballot.
* Do not hesitate to ask the precinct personnel for guidance.
Be guided accordingly.
(AI/MNM)