The first day of the campaign period on Friday, march 28, was generally peaceful, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said as it tried to sustain efforts to maintain a good start in ensuring honest and orderly midterm elections.
In the past, the start of the campaign period served as the beginning of a security headache for law enforcers as this is usually the time that the number of election-related violent incidents increases.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said they have prepared enough to ensure a safe, orderly, and credible election process with other government agencies like the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Philippine Coast Guard.
“The PNP-Comelec checkpoints nationwide continue to be operational, along with the strict enforcement of the nationwide gun ban to curb potential election-related violence. The PNP is fully prepared to safeguard the democratic process and ensure a peaceful campaign period.” said Marbil.
"We will not tolerate any form of election-related violence or illegal activities that threaten the integrity of the elections. Our security forces are ready to respond to any untoward incidents," he added.
Marbil, on the other hand, warned candidates to refrain from engaging in vote buying, saying this is also the focus of their intelligence monitoring, along with vote-selling racket.
“Those caught engaging in such illegal acts will face legal consequences,” he said.