MANILA — Although there were shooting incidents in some areas of the country, Philippine National Police chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil said the midterm election has been “generally peaceful” so far.

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“Very peaceful. Tuluy-tuloy yung pulis natin, tuluy-tuloy yung huli. Sabi ko nga, lahat ng manggugulo tinatanggal namin and we want arrests. I want more arrests. Walang pwedeng gumulo sa eleksyon,” Marbil told reporters in a chance interview at Camp Karingal in Quezon City on Monday.

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He added, all PNP units in the country were ordered to secure the canvassing of votes, stressing that the time between 6 p.m. and midnight are critical hours for the police force.

“By 6 p.m., mas marami kaming pwersa. We want a full force by 6 p.m. up to 12 o’clock [midnight], yung sa counting,” Marbil noted.

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“By 7 o’clock, magsisimula ang bilangan. Yun talaga ang kailangan namin na mas maraming tao. Talagang tutok ang mga pulis natin,” he continued.

NO DELAYS IN NCR POLLS

No delays were encountered in the conduct of the midterm elections in Metro Manila, according to Marbil.

“Wala po kaming nakitang delay [in Metro Manila]. Lahat on time yung eleksyon natin,” he said.

Regarding reports of automated counting machines (ACMs) malfunctioning on election day, Marbil said the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has contingency plans in place.

“Merong contingency ang Comelec pagkamay problemang ganun,” the top cop noted. “So, lahat doing good naman yung eleksyon.”

The PNP chief added, he does not see any failure of elections.

“Wala. Makikita mong tuluy-tuloy at very strong ang enforcement ng armed forces, coast guard and PNP with the help of Comelec.” Marbil said.