PNP to exercise maximum tolerance in securing campaign rallies

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said it will exercise maximum tolerance in enforcing election guidelines and COVID-19 health standards in campaign rallies of candidates.

Interviewed on Dobol B TV, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said police personnel will first discuss the offense to campaign participants to avoid further tension during the activities.

“Ang PNP po ay sinabihan po ng (PNP personnel were told by) Chief PNP [Police General Dionardo Carlos] to exercise maximum tolerance,” she said.

“Kung kaya naman pong pagbawalan, kung kaya naman pong pakiusapan para hindi na po magkaroon ng tension doon sa lugar (If we can warn them and talk with them, so there will no tension in the area),” she added.

Aside from the PNP, personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard will also lead in ensuring security and order will be observed in campaign sorties.

Fajardo said the PNP will also focus on enforcing the election guidelines by the Commission on Elections, while barangays officials will monitor minimum public health standards.

The official campaign period for Eleksyon 2022 candidates running for national positions has officially started this Tuesday amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. — RSJ, GMA News