MANILA -- A total of 674 policemen serving as protective security personnel of government officials and private individuals have been recalled as part of the implementation of security measures for the midterm elections on May 12.

 The data was provided by the Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG). 

Philippine National Police spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said 197 candidates — those running for governor, mayor and councilor — were stripped of protective security personnel. 

Individuals who are facing security threats may apply for exemption. 

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"As a matter of procedure, habang ang kanilang application for certificate of exemption to avail non-security detail, meron namang kapangyarihan ang PNP na mag-issue ng temporary authority to avail ng security detail dahil hindi naman natin pwedeng ipagwalang-bahala yung threats, particularly yung mga kandidato," Fajardo told reporters in a virtual press briefing on Wednesday. 

"So within 30 days, an unextendible 30 days, ay binibigyan sila ng temporary authority to avail at 'yan ay dadaan sa regional joint security control center na at least ang magre-recommend niyan ay mga miyembro ng regional JSCC at 'yan naman ay ifoforward natin sa Comelec pending ng kanilang certificate of authority ay pwede silang bigyan ng pansamantalang security," she explained. 

Those recalled will undergo refresher and specialization courses while awaiting redeployment after the election period, according to Fajardo.