The Police Regional Office (PRO) 4B on Wednesday said no election-related incidents have been reported in the Mimaropa region since the election period started on Jan. 12 this year.
The region is composed of the provinces of Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan.
“Since the start of the election period in January, Mimaropa has remained free of election-related incidents,” PRO-4B chief Brig. Gen. Roger Quesada in a statement.
Quesada said the PRO-4B continues to ensure peaceful and orderly elections on May 12 through intensified security measures across the region.
To further secure the election period, the PRO Mimaropa has strictly enforced the Comelec gun ban, resulting in the arrest of four violators so far.
Authorities have also confiscated two small firearms, eight rounds of ammunition, and six other prohibited weapons, including replicas, improvised weapons, and bladed instruments.
The violators have been charged under Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution No. 10728, which regulates the prohibition of firearms and other deadly weapons during the election period.
“The presence of nearly 10,000 checkpoints has been instrumental in keeping the campaign period peaceful and preventing any untoward incidents,” Quesada said.
He vowed to take all necessary measures, in collaboration with Comelec, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, Department of Education, and other stakeholders to prevent election-related incidents.
Quesada urged the public to report electoral fraud, including vote-buying.
“Vote-buying undermines the integrity of the election process. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any such incidents so that violators can be held accountable,” he said.
Quesada also called on all candidates to uphold integrity throughout the campaign, emphasizing responsibility to conduct their campaigns in full compliance with the law. (PNA)
