PNP on alert as voter registration ends on Oct. 30

The Philippine National Police (PNP) was placed on alert status Friday, Oct. 29, to secure the last two days of the voter registration as last-minute registrants are expected to troop to satellite offices of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) nationwide.

PNP Chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar reminded police officers to remain vigilant with the expected huge turnout of people who want to register for the May 2022 national and local elections. The Comelec set the deadline for voter registration until Saturday, Oct. 30.

"Dalawang araw na lang ang natitira bago matapos ang voter registration at kami sa PNP ay umaasa na hindi na ito mauuwi sa last day-rush na naganap noong nakaraang buwan (There are only two days remaining before the voter registration ends and we, at the PNP, hope that there will not be a repeat of last-day rush like what happened last month)," Eleazar said.

The poll body initially set the deadline of the voter registration on September 30 but due to public clamor, lawmakers passed a bill for its extension for 30 more days.

Restrictions brought about by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic were among the things considered in the extension of the voter registration.

Eleazar appealed to the public proceeding to the different voter registration centers to follow health protocols and other rules and regulations for their own safety.

"I have also directed all police commanders to enhance visibility patrols and anti-crime operations around these sites, including other public areas, to deprive criminals the opportunity to strike or prey on our kababayan (countrymen)," he said.