CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga – More than 12,000 police officers from the Police Regional Office-3 (PRO-3) have been deployed across various polling precincts in Central Luzon as part of intensified security preparations for the May 12 midterm elections.
Over 12,000 Central Luzon cops deployed for May 12
In a statement on Wednesday, PRO-3 said the deployment, which began on Sunday, includes personnel not only from local police stations but also from provincial and regional headquarters.
“This widespread mobilization of our personnel is part of our mandate to guarantee a safe, free, and accountable election,” PRO-3 chief Police Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said.
“Our focus is not only on securing polling centers but also on protecting the rights of every voter.”
The entire Central Luzon has been placed under full alert status, with close coordination ongoing between PRO-3, the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and other concerned agencies to ensure swift response to any potential disruptions or security threats.
As part of the full alert status from May 3 to 15, Quick Reaction Forces and Reactionary Standby Support Forces have been activated to promptly respond to any incidents of violence or disruption to the elections.
Fajardo urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to authorities to help maintain peace and order throughout the election period.
“We encourage everyone to work hand-in-hand with law enforcement. Public cooperation is key in achieving a peaceful and orderly election,” she said.
Central Luzon is among the regions being closely monitored due to its large voting population. The region also has 14 areas identified as election areas of concern by the Comelec.