No serious threats monitored ahead of Eleksyon 2022 — PNP

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Saturday that no serious threats have been detected in connection with the upcoming national and local elections on May 9.

“So far, wala tayong serious threat (we haven’t monitored any serious threat)," PNP officer-in-charge Police Lieutenant General Vicente Danao Jr. said at the Laging Handa briefing.

“But we cannot be complacent sa ating monitoring lalong na sa aspeto security preparations natin (in our monitoring, especially in the aspect of security preparations),” he added.

Danao emphasized that the PNP will use the "full force of the law" against those who attempt to sabotage the polls.

“The whole PNP is ready to secure the electoral process for the national and local elections,” he said.

Over 41,000 police personnel are set to be deployed to checkpoints across the country, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Also, a total of 16,820 uniformed personnel are set to perform election duties.

Prohibited acts

Meanwhile, the PNP reminded the public of the prohibited acts in the run-up to and during the election.

The PNP said the Commission on Elections has released Resolution 10746 prohibiting the selling, furnishing, offering, buying, serving, or taking intoxicating liquor from May 8 to 9.

“Anyone found violating any of the provisions may face the penalty of imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years without probation,” Danao said.

The PNP asked establishment owners to avoid displaying alcoholic beverages in their stores to prevent their customers from being tempted to drink in public.

“We just want to maintain our peace and order in every community. Let us exercise the freedom of expression and right to suffrage in a calm and sacred manner,” Danao said.

The PNP also said that no candidate or supporter is allowed to conduct campaign activities after May 7, such as distributing campaign paraphernalia, especially inside the voting centers. 

"Anyone who breaks this rule will face an election offense,” it said.

The PNP said it will be on alert for possible reports from citizens.

“Further, PNP personnel will not be allowed to get inside the polling places on election day except in cases of emergency when the electoral board will seek their assistance,” it added. —VBL, GMA News