Comelec issues resolution deputizing DILG, NAPOLCOM and other local gov't agencies for May 2022 polls
By Dhel Nazario
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued a resolution deputizing various law enforcement agencies of the government for the conduct of the May 2022 National and Local Elections.

In resolution 10743 promulgated on Dec. 16, he Comelec is empowered by Article IX-C, Section 2 (4) of the 1987 Constitution to deputize law enforcement agencies and instrumentalities of the government for the purpose only of "ensuring free, orderly, honest peaceful and credible elections".
Listed under Section 1 is the Department of the Interior and Local Government's (DILG) and the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) duties and functions which includes providing security to polling places, polling centers/voting centers, canvassing/ consolidation centers, and such other places or buildings, including election paraphernalia, equipment, forms and supplies, that will be used in connection with the elections.
They are also tasked to provide security to the personnel of Comelec, its deputies and other persons performing election-related functions as well as deploy troops for election duty in coordination with the concerned Regional Election Director, Provincial Election Supervisor, and Election Officer.
It also mentioned the looking into the existence of any armed group organized to commit, or which is committing or attempting to commit, acts of terrorism, or threats to intimidate or coerce any person to vote for or against a candidate, and to suppress or prevent said acts of terrorism or threats.
They are also deputized to provide security escorts to candidates, subject to the conditions and restrictions on the Comelec Resolution No. 107281 imposing the ban on the carrying of firearms and other deadly weapons and the ban on the use of security personnel or bodyguards.
Comelec also indicated the duties and functions of other law enforcement agencies which includes the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) as well as various departments under the executive branch.