Police personnel conduct checkpoint operations in Taytay, Rizal on Jan. 12, 2025. Kaxandra Salonga, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Police Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, Philippine National Police chief, has ordered intensified monitoring of election areas of concern as the official campaign period for local candidates—from governor and district representative to mayor and councilors —begins on Friday, March 28.

Election areas of concern are those where intense political rivalry, the presence and possible employment of private armed groups, and the occurrence of politically motivated violent incidents in previous elections and similar factors are present.

“Ang instruction po ng ating chief PNP ay siguraduhin na habang papalapit po ‘yong ating eleksyon ma-address po natin itong mga tinatawag po na election risk factors,” Police Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, PNP spokesperson, said in an online media briefing.

(The instruction of our PNP chief is to ensure that as the elections approach, we can address these so-called election risk factors.)

The PNP will also deploy additional personnel in areas of engagement and public convergence to ensure an immediate response to potential incidents.

In a separate statement, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said it is also fully prepared to secure the metropolis during the campaign period.

As part of security measures, Police Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin said more police personnel will be deployed in areas where local candidates are expected to visit and hold their respective campaign programs.

“Ang NCRPO ay maglalatag ng isang kumprehensibong security coverage upang matiyak na ang lahat ng aktibidad sa panahon ng kampanya ay magiging payapa at naaayon sa batas,” Aberin said.

(The NCRPO will implement a comprehensive security coverage to ensure that all activities during the campaign period will be peaceful and in accordance with the law.)

He also urged candidates to focus on presenting their platforms and to cooperate with the police’s security plan.

11 ELECTION-RELATED INCIDENTS

Meanwhile, Fajardo said the number of validated election-related incidents remained at 11, while four are still under validation as of March 23.

The validated incidents include seven shooting incidents, one cyber-libel case, one mauling, one ambush, and one explosion.

Five of these incidents are in the case buildup phase, five are in the preliminary investigation stage, and one has been dismissed.

Seven individuals were killed, while seven others were injured in these incidents.

No suspect has been arrested so far.

SAF DEPLOYMENT IN BANGSAMORO

Fajardo said the PNP is considering the deployment of the Special Action Force in the Bangsamoro region following a series of violent and deadly attacks.

“May mga areas of concern po tayo na under diyan po sa Bangsamoro Autonomous Region at alam po natin at hindi maililingid sa ating pansin na may mga insidente po diyan,” Fajardo said.

(We have areas of concern under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, and we know—and it is undeniable—that incidents have occurred there.)

Fajardo said Marbil, along with Commission on Elections chair Georce Garcia, has been personally visiting the region to oversee security measures and ensure an orderly and peaceful election.