PNP, AFP forge strong alliance to guarantee a peaceful and orderly 2025 elections in MisOcc

 

Misamis Occidental--As the 2025 national and local elections approach, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are intensifying preparations to ensure a peaceful, orderly, and secure electoral process across Misamis Occidental. 

This effort was discussed during the first-quarter joint council meeting of the Provincial Development Council, Peace and Order Council, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Anti-Drug Abuse Council, and the Solid Waste Management Board, held at the Asenso Misamis Occidental Sports and Cultural Center in Oroquieta City on February 11, 2025.

The PNP, tasked with securing the election, has outlined a comprehensive plan to manage the 464 voting centers in the province. With only 1,229 active police personnel assigned across various police stations, cities, and municipalities, the PNP is working tirelessly to ensure that the security needs of the election are met.

They have mobilized 942 personnel, strategically divided into security perimeters, to provide protection at every voting center during the election period. In addition to this, 34 PNP officers will be assigned to assist voters, while another 34 will be dedicated to traffic investigation. Another critical component of the PNP's election security plan is the deployment of 103 personnel to conduct checkpoints, ensuring that the movement of people and vehicles is regulated for the safety of all.

A special focus will also be placed on intelligence operations, with 34 personnel tasked with gathering information vital to maintaining peace and order. Furthermore, 148 quick reaction teams from different municipalities, including the 1st and 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Companies (PMFC), will be on standby to address any election-related incidents swiftly.

However, the PNP has identified a shortfall of 74 active personnel. Despite this, the lack of manpower is being addressed through a collaborative effort with the 10th Infantry Battalion of the AFP. This partnership will see AFP personnel assist in checkpoint duties and other security tasks to ensure smooth operations throughout the election period. The Philippine Coast Guard and 1002^nd RMFB Maneuver Company will also be involved, helping to guarantee that both police and military services are delivered effectively and without interruption.

According to the PNP, the peace and order situation in Misamis Occidental remains stable, manageable, and conducive to living, investing, and doing business.

In a related development, LTC. Nelson Q. Boticario, Commander of the 10th Infantry Battalion, shared an update on the Army's preparations for the election. "We have identified priority areas for deployment, particularly those facing challenges in mobility, signal accessibility, and potential security threats," said LTC. Boticario.

For the First District of Misamis Occidental, the 10th Infantry Battalion will deploy 188 personnel across 39 barangays, focusing on ensuring the safety of the electoral process. Meanwhile, for the Second District, 167 army personnel will be deployed across 33 barangays. These plans are still subject to finalization following a joint meeting with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Provincial Coordinating Conference, which is scheduled for February 26, 2025.

As the election draws near, authorities are urging the public to stay vigilant and cooperate with security personnel to ensure that the 2025 elections are conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner. (SN/PGMO)