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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider The final stretch: PNP steps up drive vs vote-buying, liquor ban enforcement

The final stretch: PNP steps up drive vs vote-buying, liquor ban enforcement

Published May 7, 2025 11:33 am

At A Glance

  • Around 120,000 policemen to secure May 12 polls, including visibility near voting centers 
  • Policemen were also tasked to strictly implement campaign prohibition on May 10  

Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered all police forces across the country to intensify the campaign against vote-buying in anticipation of the massive flow of money on the few remaining days leading to the May 12 elections.

Police forces across the country were placed under highest security alert status since Saturday, May 3, and Marbil said he wants all police commanders to be visible with their men for election security purposes.

“We are now entering the most crucial phase of our preparations. By May 8, we will begin the full deployment of our personnel on the ground to secure polling precincts, vital installations, and other areas of concern,” said Marbil. 

“And on May 9 onwards, regional directors will be conducting inspections of their units and will roll out Kontra-Bigay, a campaign aimed at cracking down on vote-buying and other election-related violations,” he added.

Marbil earlier ordered police commanders to intensify intelligence-gathering against errant candidates who would engage in vote-buying activities.

The intelligence reports, backed by pieces of evidence, are then forwarded to the Commission on Elections for legal actions. 

In a command conference at Camp Crame in Quezon City, Marbil laid out the final operational timeline for election security and reminded police units nationwide of their crucial role in safeguarding the integrity of the polls.

Liquor ban

In the same command conference, Marbil tasked police commanders to strictly implement prohibition on any further campaign activities starting May 10 and the start of the liquor ban by May 11.

The security measures include reminders to store owners about the liquor ban and operation against those who would sell and buy alcohol, beer and other liquors.

On the other hand, Marbil said the operation against loose guns will continue along with strategic campaigns against private armed groups.

Final stretch 

At least 120,000 policemen are expected to be deployed for election duties, including the security of around 37,000 voting centers.

Marbil emphasized that the PNP is finalizing the deployment of logistics, transportation assets, communication equipment, and other essential resources in close coordination with the Comelec and partner agencies.

“As we enter the final stretch, I urge every member of the PNP to stay focused, upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. We must always remember that our responsibility is to serve the people and protect their right to vote freely and fairly," said Marbil.

“On May 12, Election Day, we must remain apolitical. Let us show the Filipino people that the PNP can be trusted — visible, impartial, and fully committed to ensuring a peaceful election,” Marbil stressed. 

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