4K cops to be deployed in NCR for March 25 start of local campaign

At least 4,000 police personnel will be deployed in the National Capital Region to ensure the peaceful conduct of campaign period for locally elected officials starting on March 25, 2022.

NCRPO chief Major General Felipe Natividad assured the public that police officers are ready and equipped to patrol and monitor their area of responsibilities.

“The forthcoming National and Local Elections 2022 is expected to be more challenging than it was before considering the fact that we are facing a global health crisis at the moment. We must modify our strategies to adapt to the new environment,” Natividad said in a statement.

He also said they will continue to maximize police presence and conduct relentless operations to guarantee safe, peaceful, and fair elections.

“Sama-sama tayong magtrabaho ng maayos, tama at ilagay sa puso ang disiplina upang makamit natin ang payapang eleksyon,” he added.

According to the Commission on Elections updated guidelines for the conduct of in-person campaigning, rallies, meetings, motorcades, and miting de avance under the new normal, all persons participating in all campaigns, regardless of capacity, are required to wear face masks and always adhere to the minimum public health standards during political activity.

For areas under Alert Level 1, campaign activities have been allowed at 100 percent capacity while 70 percent capacity for areas in Alert Level 2.

Meanwhile, 50 percent of the operational capacity of the venue for enclosed outdoor; and 30 percent for indoor venues are permitted in areas under Alert Level 3.

Handshakes, kissing, and taking selfies are prohibited under the relaxed campaign rules amid the COVID-19 pandemic.—LDF, GMA News