PALO, Leyte — The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) has deployed 237 police personnel across four provinces in Eastern Visayas to secure the final testing and sealing (FTS) of automated counting machines, ahead of the 12 May midterm elections.

According to PRO-8, 104 officers were assigned to the Leyte Police Provincial Office, 40 to Southern Leyte, 50 to Eastern Samar, and 43 to Samar. The deployment began on Tuesday, 6 May 2025.

Police Brigadier General Jay Cumigad, PRO-8 Regional Director, said the officers were drawn from the regional headquarters and regional support units, and their task is to ensure a smooth and secure testing process across the region.

“Over the years, our deployments — whether during elections, calamities, or major events — have consistently resulted to successful and peaceful outcomes. This is a testament not only to the professionalism of our personnel but also to the steadfast leadership and guidance of our command group,” Cumigad said.

He added that an additional 127 officers remain on standby at the regional headquarters, ready for deployment anywhere in the region if needed.

“Ang ating responsibilidad ay hindi lamang panatilihin ang kapayapaan at kaayusan, kundi protektahan din ang demokratikong proseso na nagbibigay kahulugan sa ating serbisyo. Ipakita natin sa ating mga kilos ang integridad, propesyonalismo, at paglilingkod higit sa sarili na pinaninindigan ng PNP,” he said.

(“Our responsibility is not only to maintain peace and order, but also to protect the democratic process that gives meaning to our service. Let us demonstrate through our actions the integrity, professionalism, and selfless service that the PNP stands for.”)

PRO-8 remains on full-alert status from 3 to 15 May, with all leave applications suspended to ensure full readiness throughout the region.