MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) did not receive reports of major incidents during the first day of the local campaign period for the May 12 midterm elections.
Candidates running for seats in the House of Representatives, as well as for provincial, city and municipal positions, began their campaign activities Friday.
In a press release Saturday, the PNP said it continues to implement heightened security measures in coordination with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and other law enforcement.
PNP-Comelec checkpoints remain in place nationwide, alongside the enforcement of the gun ban, aimed at reducing the risk of armed violence.
“The PNP is fully prepared to safeguard the democratic process. We will not tolerate any form of election-related violence or illegal activities that threaten the integrity of the elections,” PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said.
The police urged the public to remain vigilant, report violations and cooperate with authorities to ensure that the coming polls would be safe and orderly.
Meanwhile, the first day of the local campaign period in Central Luzon was likewise peaceful.
“We are hopeful that this peaceful atmosphere will continue throughout the campaign period until its final day,” Police Regional Office-3 Director Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said in a statement Saturday.
“The PNP, in collaboration with our partner agencies, is fully dedicated to ensuring a safe, orderly, honest and peaceful elections. We will remain vigilant in protecting the sovereign will of the Filipino voters.”
The campaign period, including for senatorial and party-list candidates, ends May 10.
The election period and implementation of gun ban will be until June 11. (Lloyd Caliwan, Jason de Asis/PNA)
