PNP steps up measures for peaceful May elections
A TOTAL of 254,355 Comelec-supervised checkpoints have been conducted by the Philippine National Police nationwide since the start of the gun ban last January 12 as part of its intensified security operations to ensure peace and order during the May 12 National and Local Elections, PNP Public Information Office chief Colonel Randulf T. Tuaño said yesterday.
“With the gun ban in effect since January 12, 2025, the PNP continues to enforce strict measures to curb illegal firearms, prevent election-related violence, and uphold peace and order across the country,” the official said.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful and credible election process, which aligns with the PNP’s ongoing efforts to protect the democratic exercise and uphold public safety, he added.
According to the PNP-PIO chief, all police forces over the past weeks have been working round-the-clock to enforce the nationwide prohibition on the unauthorized carrying of firearms.
So far, 971 individuals have been caught, 106 of them apprehended in checkpoints, 417 during police responses, 149 in anti-illegal drug operations, 53 in gun buy-bust operations, and 246 in other law enforcement operations (OLEO).
The campaign against loose firearms has also yielded significant results, with 962 firearms confiscated through various police operations. These include 92 firearms seized at checkpoints, 418 recovered during police responses, 136 from anti-illegal drug operations, 53 from gun buy-bust operations, and 263 from other law enforcement operations, Col. Tuaño added.
The official likewise said while security efforts have been largely successful, two suspected election-related incidents have been reported, with one case confirmed as an election-related crime. In addition, thirteen non-election-related incidents have also been documented and swiftly addressed by authorities.
PNP chief General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil has highlighted the police force’s dedication to ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process.
“The numbers speak for themselves—our intensified operations are in full force, and we will not let up. The PNP remains committed to safeguarding the electoral process by strictly enforcing the gun ban, neutralizing criminal activities, and preventing any attempts to disrupt the elections. We call on the public to cooperate, stay vigilant, and report any suspicious activities that may threaten the peace and integrity of this democratic exercise,” the top cop said.
Gen. Marbil also emphasized that the PNP remains strictly apolitical, ensuring that no member of the force engages in any partisan activities during the election period.
“Anyone found violating these standards will face charges, including possible non-promotion or even dismissal from the service. The PNP will not tolerate any actions that undermine the integrity and impartiality of the elections,” the PNP chief said.
With the campaign period for national candidates underway since February 12, the PNP remains on high alert, continuously strengthening security operations to ensure that the upcoming elections are free from violence, fear, and intimidation, Gen. Marbil added.
The PNP chief urged all Filipinos to support their peace and order efforts by adhering to election laws and security protocols.
