PNP tightens security, intensifies drive against vote-buying ahead of May 12 polls

National

AS THE May 12 elections draw near, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its security operations nationwide, placing all police units under the highest alert status and reinforcing its campaign against vote-buying and other election-related offenses.

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil ordered all police commanders to be highly visible and closely monitor areas of concern.

Marbil confirmed that at least 120,000 police officers will be deployed to secure over 37,000 voting centers.

“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,” Marbil said in a report by Manila Bulletin.

The nationwide campaign against vote-buying — dubbed Kontra-Bigay — will begin May 9. This includes intelligence-gathering operations targeting candidates involved in vote-buying, with collected evidence forwarded to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for legal action.

“We will not tolerate any form of election-related violence or illegal activities that threaten the integrity of the elections,” Marbil emphasized.

The PNP chief also reminded candidates, political parties, and voters that both vote-buying and vote-selling are criminal offenses under Batas Pambansa 881, or the Omnibus Election Code.

He also laid out a final operational timeline and reiterated the need for all personnel to act with professionalism and impartiality.

“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,” he said.

In line with election regulations, Marbil directed police units to enforce the prohibition of campaign activities starting May 10 and implement a liquor ban beginning May 11.

Operations against loose firearms and private armed groups will also continue.(John Ryan Ledesma, CTU-TC Intern)