LEGAZPI CITY, Albay (PIA) – The Police Regional Office 5 (PRO-5) has mobilized more than 10,000 police officers as the  10-day campaign period for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) commence on Thursday, October 19.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Office 5 Spokesperson Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib,  said that the personnel are strategically positioned to oversee the situation in different areas and swiftly respond to any incident.

In a press release, the PRO-5 said that they remain resolute in their commitment to maintain an orderly and peaceful elections while working closely with partners in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other force multipliers.

“As a deputized agency of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), PRO5 vows to facilitate the implementation of guidelines aimed at providing the public with credible and fair electoral process,” it said.

PRO-5 said that checkpoints are still enforced jointly with the Comelec as the gun-ban remains in effect.

To date, the  PRO-5 has arrested 48 violators from August 28 to October 18. 

The enforcement has also led to the confiscation of 51 assorted firearms, 11 deadly weapons, and 490 rounds of ammunition. A total of 49 cases have been filed in court for these violations.

Calubaquib added that as the election day draws near, it will be best to formulate strategies that will ensure the safety and integrity of the upcoming election.

“Our shared goal is to uphold the principles of democracy and to guarantee that the voice of the people is heard through a peaceful and lawful electoral process."  (PIA/DDC)