PNP intensifies election monitoring as local campaign period opens

The Philippine National Police (PNP) intensified its monitoring as the local campaign period for Eleksyon 2022 began on Friday, March 25, with over 18,000 local positions contested.

PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos reported that the start of the campaign period was generally peaceful and orderly across the country, with no major untoward incidents recorded.

The PNP anticipates challenges due to the concurrent campaign activities of both national and local candidates and will continue to monitor all activities, especially in election hot spots.

Security measures include protecting candidates who have received threats on their lives.

Campaign activities are prohibited on Holy Thursday and Good Friday, April 14 and 15, 2022, as per a Commission on Elections order.

Commission on Elections Commissioner George Garcia mentioned that campaign rules will be more relaxed under Alert Level 1 and 2, removing the need for a Comelec campaign committee permit and only requiring a Local Government Unit (LGU) permit.

More uniformed personnel will be deployed in 40 to 50 areas nationwide for the elections.

Around 4,000 to 5,000 policemen have been deployed in the National Capital Region to ensure peace and order during the local campaign.