Mimaropa police to intensify ‘Kontra Bigay’ campaign ahead 12 May polls

The Police Regional Office (PRO) in the Mimaropa region (4B) on Friday said it will intensify the implementation of the Philippine National Police’s “Kontra Bigay 2.0” campaign to curb electoral bribery ahead of the 12 May midterm elections.

PRO-4B chief PBGen. Roger Quesada vowed to bolster the campaign's enforcement in response to PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil’s directive on ensuring “clean, honest, and fair” May 12 midterm polls.

“I have directed all police units in Mimaropa to strengthen intelligence monitoring, launch robust public awareness campaigns, and work closely with Comelec to investigate and address any signs of electoral fraud,” Quesada told reporters in a Viber message. 

Mimaropa region is composed of the provinces of Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan.

The Kontra Bigay initiative was initially launched in October 2023 for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections to encourage the public to take decisive, proactive measures against vote-buying and vote-selling during the election period.

Under the expanded Kontra Bigay 2.0, law enforcement agencies will intensify intelligence monitoring and target the possession or distribution of money, goods, or campaign materials intended to influence voters, as well as organized efforts to manipulate the electoral process through financial transactions.

Offenders caught in these illegal activities may face immediate warrantless arrest in accordance with the policies of the Commission on Elections.

“We will promptly address any illegal transactions undermining our electoral process, as our commitment to democratic integrity is unwavering,” said Quesada.

Article 12 of the Omnibus Election Code prohibits vote-buying or vote-selling. Violators could face imprisonment of one to six years.

Hence, Quesada urged the public to promptly report any instances of vote-buying or vote-selling through official channels.

“The success of peaceful, credible, and fair elections depends on the collective commitment of every Filipino. We urge all stakeholders to uphold electoral integrity and report any violations,” he said. 

Marbil earlier instructed all police units nationwide to intensify election monitoring efforts, conduct information campaigns, and work closely with Comelec in investigating and acting on reports of electoral fraud.

The government also launched the Committee on Kontra Bigay, composed of the PNP, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

These agencies are tasked with conducting surveillance, validating reports, and taking decisive action against electoral violations.