PNP: Day 1 of local campaign period was 'generally peaceful'

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said the first day of the local campaign period for Eleksyon 2025 on Friday, March 28, was generally peaceful with no major incidents nationwide.

In a statement on Saturday, the PNP said it implemented strict security measures in coordination with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and other law enforcement agencies to ensure peace and order as the 45-day local campaign period kicked off.

"The PNP is fully prepared to safeguard the democratic process and ensure a peaceful campaign period. We will not tolerate any form of election-related violence or illegal activities that threaten the integrity of the elections. Our security forces are ready to respond to any untoward incidents," said PNP chief Police General Rommel Marbil.

The PNP chief assured the police organization's continuing commitment to keep the country safe throughout the campaign period, with operational checkpoints and a gun ban implemented across the country.

Meanwhile, the PNP reminded candidates that vote-buying and vote-selling are serious offenses.

"The PNP urges the public to remain vigilant, report any election-related violations, and fully cooperate with authorities to uphold a clean, honest, and peaceful electoral process," the statement read.

In an interview Saturday on Super Radyo dzBB, Comelec Chairman George Garcia likewise said the start of the local campaign period was generally peaceful.

He lamented, however, the volume of illegal campaign materials that the authorities had to remove as part of the poll body's "Oplan Baklas."

"Naging maayos ang unang araw ng kampanyahan... Bagama't tone-toneladang materials ang ating tinanggal," he said.

(The first day of the local campaign was generally peaceful... Although we removed tons of [illegal campaign] materials.)

Earlier this month, the Comelec reported that the number of areas listed under the "red" category for Eleksyon 2025 decreased from 38 to 36. These areas are deemed to have a serious threat of election-related violence.

Comelec Resolution 11086, which sets the rules and regulations for Republic Act 9006 or the Fair Elections Act, scheduled the campaign period for the national candidates from February 11 to May 10. The campaign period for local positions will run until May 10, 2025.

Candidates are not allowed to campaign on April 17 (Maundy Thursday), April 18 (Good Friday), May 11 (eve of Election Day), and May 12 (Election Day.) — VDV, GMA Integrated News

For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.