PNP ramps up poll preparations

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday that it is intensifying its preparations to secure the 2025 midterm elections, including deploying more officers to election hotspots.

PNP chief Police General Rommel Marbil has laid out a 100-day security plan that “prioritizes the deployment of personnel in election hotspots, the conduct of regular checkpoints, and intensified intelligence operations.”

“We are entering a critical period where vigilance and proactive policing are paramount,” Marbil said. “Our 100-day security plan is designed to ensure that every voting center is protected, every threat is addressed, and every citizen can cast their vote without fear.”

Meantime, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said deploying additional security personnel to “election areas of concern” is part of the preparations.

Fajardo said earlier that 403 areas were on the list of election areas of concern as of 9 January 2025.

Of those, 188 are classified as “yellow” areas. Yellow areas have reported suspected election-related incidents in the past two polls, without the participation of domestic terror groups. These areas should have been previously declared under Commission on Elections (Comelec) control and reported the possible presence of armed groups and intense political rivalries.

A total of 177 areas are classified as “orange.” Orange areas exhibit a combination of two or more factors found in yellow areas and have serious armed threats posed by terror and threat groups.

Thirty-eight areas are classified as “red.” Red areas meet the parameters for yellow areas and have serious threats posed by terror and threat groups. Security forces will focus on monitoring these areas, which have a possibility of violence and intense political rivalries among local candidates.

The PNP’s 100-day security plan also covers heightened police visibility, strategic personnel deployment, and strengthened coordination with other law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

It added that it will also focus on dismantling private armed groups, pursuing wanted persons, and intensifying operations against loose firearms.

Marbil encouraged the public to report any suspicious activities or election-related violations to authorities through the PNP’s hotlines and social media channels.