MANILA, Philippines — Preparations to ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of the 2025 midterm elections has begun, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Wednesday.
PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil cited the importance of ensuring peaceful and secure elections, and outlined priority tasks particularly focusing on loose firearms, illegal drugs, and private armed groups (PAGs) as these are vital factors that could disrupt the polls.
“Our commitment is to safeguard the democratic process and ensure that the upcoming elections are conducted in a secure environment. By cracking down on illegal firearms, drug syndicates, and armed groups, we aim to protect our citizens and uphold the rule of law,” he said.
Marbil urged the public to support the PNP’s efforts by reporting any illegal activities to help the authorities achieve their goals for the upcoming elections.
He said the PNP would actively and cohesively work with local government units (LGUs) and other law enforcement agencies, assuring the public that the police force will conduct frequent operations in hotspots and against illegal activities.
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These would entail heightened checkpoints, legitimate police operations on the basis of credible intelligence, and community awareness programs to encourage public reporting of suspicious activities.
Likewise, he said that this comprehensive effort would involve intelligence operations, community cooperation, and strict law enforcement.
The PNP heightened its anti-illegal drug operation through enhanced coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), along with community-based rehabilitation programs in line with the policy on substance abuse.
Also, the PNP will deploy additional resources and personnel to identify election areas of concern relative to the recent directive of Marbil for the fielding of 85% of its personnel.
To fortify its operational guidelines, Marbil ordered increased checkpoints and patrols in critical areas, heightened intelligence operations against PAGs and proliferation of illegal drugs.
He also ordered the PNP-Civil Security Group and Firearms and Explosive Office in the conduct of stricter measures on loose firearms in high-risk areas.
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