The Philippine National Police (PNP) has placed all units under heightened alert as the official campaign period for local candidates begins on Friday.
In a virtual press briefing, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil has instructed all regional offices to closely monitor their respective areas to prevent criminal activity and respond swiftly to any untoward incidents.
“Our chief PNP has directed us to ensure sustained police visibility in all areas of engagement, particularly during campaign sorties of both local and national candidates,” Fajardo stated.
To bolster deployment capacity, the PNP has suspended all leaves of absence for personnel.
“This means at least 75 percent of our total force must be on standby and ready for deployment at any time,” she added.
Fajardo also noted that the PNP is intensifying its monitoring of election areas of concern, pointing out that political tensions typically rise at the local level.
“History tells us that political contests become more heated when local officials are involved,” she explained.
In a separate statement, Gen. Marbil called on all police commanders—from regional to municipal levels—to take the lead in ensuring a peaceful, honest, and orderly electoral process.
“To those intending to sow fear, intimidate voters, or disrupt the elections through violence—consider this your final warning: the full force of the law will be brought down upon you. We will not allow anyone to undermine our democracy,” he declared.
Marbil emphasized the need for law enforcers to stay alert, act decisively, and remain strictly neutral throughout the election period. He urged a proactive stance to prevent any election-related violence.
The official campaign period for senatorial and party-list candidates began on February 11. All candidates have until May 10 to campaign ahead of the May 12 national and local elections.