32 Ilocos police deploy to BARMM for May elections

Thirty-two police officers from Ilocos Norte have been deployed to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao ahead of the May 12 midterm elections, joining a larger contingent of 193 policemen from Police Regional Office-1 (Ilocos) who underwent training and certification by the Commission on Elections and Department of Science and Technology.

Col. Frederick Obar, director of the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office, emphasized the importance of professionalism and impartiality during a send-off ceremony for the officers.

A total of 193 police personnel were sent off with a Mass and ceremony at the PRO-1 auditorium in Camp Florendo, La Union, led by PRO-1 Director Police Brig. Gen. Lou Evangelista who reminded them to uphold PNP integrity and respect human rights.

According to Philippine National Police data, there are 362 areas of concern for the upcoming elections, with 34 classified as 'red' due to serious armed threats and past election-related incidents.

Obar assured that Ilocos Norte has no identified areas of concern because of a lack of intense political rivalry in the province.

The deploying officers will be replaced by 62 new recruits who will manage various election precincts in Ilocos Norte, along with 146 members of Quick Reaction Teams to ensure smooth elections.