The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday disclosed that a total of 674 police officers serving as protective security personnel were recalled to assist in poll security preparations ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said that the figure includes 445 officers assigned to safeguard government officials, while the remainder provided security for 197 candidates and 228 private individuals.

She added that to obtain a Certificate of Authority for Security Detail (CA-SD), eligible individuals, including incumbent public officials and private citizens, are encouraged to submit their requests to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

“As a matter of procedure, the PNP has the authority to issue a temporary permit for security detail because we cannot disregard the potential threats to our candidates. We will grant them a temporary authority for a maximum of 30 days. These requests will then be reviewed by the Regional Joint Security Control Center, which will make recommendations to the Comelec for the issuance of the CA-SD,” Fajardo said.

The PNP spokesperson also said that individuals whose CA-SD applications are denied can reapply but will only be allowed to utilize the security services of licensed private security agencies.

“These protection agents must be licensed and employed by private security agencies. Private individuals cannot serve as bodyguards during the election period,” Fajardo said.

Each individual, regardless of whether they are a candidate or not, is limited to two protective security personnel.

Since the start of the gun ban on 12 January, authorities have apprehended 85 individuals, including 78 civilians, three security guards, two members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), one government worker and one Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) officer.

Police have also confiscated 86 firearms from checkpoints set up nationwide.

Section 84 of Comelec Resolution 11067 mandates that all checkpoints be coordinated with the local election officer and established in well-lit areas.

These checkpoints must be manned by personnel from the PNP, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, or the Philippine Coast Guard, led by a ranking official with clearly visible nameplates and identification tags.

Only visual searches are permitted. No individual can be subjected to a physical or body search unless there is reasonable ground to believe they have committed, are about to commit, or are committing a crime.

Furthermore, checkpoint personnel cannot compel motorists to open the trunk or glove compartment of their vehicles or any packages within. However, they may ask ordinary or routine questions to vehicle occupants with courtesy.

Meanwhile, PNP-Internal Affairs Service Inspector General Brigido Dulay reminded officers to uphold human rights and ethical policing during checkpoint operations.

“Checkpoints are a crucial aspect of our law enforcement operations, but they must be conducted with utmost respect for the rights of the public. Police personnel who disregard established procedures will tarnish the reputation of the PNP and will be held accountable,” Dulay said.

He also urged police commanders to lead by example and ensure proper supervision and training of their personnel and warned that any police officer found violating these protocols will face administrative sanctions.