PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil has renewed his warning against any person or groups that will attempt to disrupt the upcoming elections through violence or intimidation.

As the local campaign period for the May 12 elections began last March 28, Marbil assured the country there will be no let-up in their campaign against loose firearms, private armed groups and other criminal and lawless elements that may threaten the safe and orderly conduct of the national and local elections.

“To those who seek to sow fear, intimidate voters, or manipulate the elections through violence, this is your final warning: the full force of the law will be upon you.

We will not tolerate any attempt to undermine our democracy,” he warned.

The 1st day of the campaign for those seeking local posts was described as generally peaceful nationwide by the PNP.

The PNP chief said that the PNP, in coordination with the Commission on Elections, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other law enforcement agencies, has implemented strict security measures to maintain peace and prevent any election-related incidents.

Candidates for congressman and provincial, city and municipal positions have officially launched their campaign activities Friday last week.

Comelec-supervised PNP checkpoints nationwide continue to be operational, along with the enforcement of the nationwide gun ban to curb potential election-related violence, the PNP chief said.

“The PNP is fully prepared to safeguard the democratic process and ensure a peaceful campaign period.

We will not tolerate any form of election-related violence or illegal activities that threaten the integrity of the elections. Our security forces are ready to respond to any untoward incidents,” he said.

The PNP chief also reminded all candidates, political parties, and the public that vote-buying and vote-selling are serious offenses under Batas Pambansa Blg. 881 or the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines.

As the election season continues, the PNP urges the public to remain vigilant, report any election-related violations, and fully cooperate with authorities to uphold a clean, honest, and peaceful electoral process, said PNP Public Information Office chief Colonel Randulf T. Tuaño.

With the campaign period now underway, Gen. Marbil directed all regional, provincial, city, and municipal police commanders to take the lead in ensuring that the electoral process remains peaceful, honest and orderly.

He emphasized that law enforcers must anticipate threats, act swiftly and maintain neutrality, underscoring that he expects a proactive approach in preventing election-related violence.

The PNP has already deployed calibrated security operations nationwide, focusing on election hotspots and areas with intense political rivalries.

These measures include intensified intelligence gathering, expanded police presence, and close coordination with the Comelec, the AFP and other law enforcement and government agencies.

“We have established police assistance desks at campaign venues and deployed additional personnel to vulnerable areas. Our quick reaction forces are on standby. Let it be clear—we are ready,” Gen. Marbil stressed.

Gen. Marbil called on candidates and their supporters to uphold the law and reject violence, reminding them of their responsibility to lead by example.

“Candidates must set the tone for a peaceful election. Leadership begins with respecting the rules of democratic engagement,” he said.

To further ensure the security of the elections, the PNP’s National Election Monitoring Action Center (NEMAC) is now fully operational, providing real-time oversight and rapid deployment support throughout the campaign period.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon