Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 2) — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has begun increasing its deployment to 160,000 officers in the country on Thursday as they gear up for the upcoming national and local elections.
PNP Spokesperson Bernard Banac said they have started to boost their deployment on Thursday from 143,000 officers last week. He said this is to show “maximum presence” of the police as the May 13 polls near. These officers will continue to be deployed to polling centers, canvassing centers, reserve forces and checkpoints.
He assured that the added deployment is not in response to any received threat or alarm.
“Wala naman natatanggap na threats sa halalan. Ito ay pinapakita talaga yung seriousness ng ating Philippine National Police at DILG na magkaroon ng segurdiad sa nalalapit sa halalan. We want to make sure no untoward incident or violence will take place,” Banac told the media.
[Translation: We have not received any threats for the elections. We are just showing the Philippine National Police and the DILG are serious in ensuring security this coming elections. We want to make sure no untoward incident or violence will take place]
Banac reported that they have arrested 4,839 suspects and confiscated 4,038 firearms from over 500,000 police operations nationwide from January 13 to April 29.
He maintained that they are ready for the midterm elections.
