By Priam Nepomuceno / Philippine News Agency
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar on Friday (Oct. 29) reminded all police officers to remain vigilant in anticipation of a huge turnout of voter registrants in the last two days of the registration period.
“I have placed all police offices on alert for the last day of the voter’s registration in anticipation of large numbers of people lining up at the different voter registration hubs nationwide at the last minute,” Eleazar said in a statement.
This came amid reports of overcrowding at some registration sites due to the influx of applicants, which may result in COVID-19 superspreader events due to the lack of observance of physical distancing.
Eleazar appealed to people at voter registration centers to follow health protocols and other rules and regulations for their own safety.
The extended voter registration period for next year’s polls will end at 5 :00 p.m. on Saturday.
“I have also directed all police commanders to enhance visibility patrols and anti-crime operations around these sites, including other public areas, to deprive criminals of the opportunity to strike or prey on our kababayans,” he said.
Lawmakers earlier sought the extension of voters’ registration, saying nearly six months of the registration was lost when the pandemic began and quarantine measures were imposed.
On Sept. 30, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11591 extending the voters’ registration deadline for the May 9, 2022, national and local elections for another 30 days. (PNA) – jlo
