(PNP-PIO)
After the success of the 2019 Midterm Elections, the Philippine National Police is now preparing for the 2022 National and Local polls vowing to sustain its safety and fairness. PNP Deputy Chief for Administration, PLtGen. Archie Francisco Gamboa, who is also the commander of the Security Task Force 2019 Midterm Elections, said that the public greatly appreciated the PNP’s campaign against vote selling and buying, based on the post election assessment of the task force.
“We take this incident seriously which have been a pratice for many years and immediately take actions to arrest these vote sellers and buyers,” Gamboa said. He also added that most of the vote-buying and selling cases are now filed in the courts.
Along with this unprecendeted effort, the PNP will also sustain and further implement the Oplan Baklas campaign against illegal or misplaced campaign posters and materials for the 2022 polls.
Gamboa also revealed the PNP three-year preparation plan for the 2022 National and Local Elections which includes, no failure of elections; second, reduction if not totally prevent Election-related Incidents (ERIs), and last, reduction of risk factors such as private-armed groups, loose firearms, criminal gangs, and terrorism.
Moreover, PNP Chief, Police General Oscar Albayalde noted that there will be an additional police equipment that would bolster police force in securing and ensuring fair and safe elections in 2022. The PNP will acquire additional 10 helicopters and 50 high speed water crafts within three years.
He mentioned also that part of the preparation is the selection of new roster of PNP officials who will take the helm of the Task Force as most of the present police generals and senior officers would be retired by 2022.
