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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PNP all set for May 12 polls; over 163,000 cops to be deployed

PNP all set for May 12 polls; over 163,000 cops to be deployed

Published May 8, 2025 05:38 pm

At A Glance

  • At least 38,000 more personnel from other governemnt agencies will help the police secure the midterm elections 
  • A total of 35 areas are under the Red Category of election areas of concern 

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will be deploying at least 163,000 to secure voting centers and other areas across the country for the May 12 midterm elections on Monday. 

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said they have already started deploying their personnel on Thursday, May 8, to designated polling precincts and towns and places classified under areas of concern.

“We are ready for the elections…There must be no violence, no killings in the days leading up to, during, and after Election Day. The PNP’s duty is to guarantee honest, orderly and peaceful elections,” said Marbil.

Aside from the policemen, he said around 38,000 personnel from various government agencies will also be mobilized to support security, traffic, and emergency response operations nationwide.

The military, on the other hand, hand will assist the PNP in areas with high security concerns like areas with a history of election violence in Mindanao. 

Marbil also reminded all members of the police force to maintain strict political neutrality, stressing that anyone caught engaging in partisan activities or expressing political biases will face immediate disciplinary action and possible dismissal from the service.

"Let this be clear: our commitment is to serve the Filipino people — not politicians. Our duty is to uphold the law and protect the sanctity of the vote,” said Marbil.

Election violence

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said that as of May 6, they have already recorded 76 suspected election-related incidents (ERIs). 

“Out of that figure, 40 are validated to be election-related incidents while 21 are non-ERIs. Fifteen other incidents are still for validation,” said Fajardo.

On the other hand, a total of 370 areas are under election areas of concern—35 of them are in the Red Category.

“As of now, we have not monitored serious and credible threats but we maintain our active security stance, and of course, intelligence monitoring in coordination with other law enforcement agencies,” said Fajardo.

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