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Comelec, AFP, PNP sign security arrangement for May polls


The Commission on Elections, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police on Thursday signed the joint operational guidelines for the deployment of government security forces for next month's elections.

PNP chief, Director General Ricardo Marquez and AFP chief General Hernando Iriberri agreed to the guidelines deputizing both agencies under the Comelec to supervise peace and security efforts for the May 9 elections.

“Together with the Comelec, we are once again giving more life and power to this partnership with this joint letter directive as we (PNP and AFP) join forces in securing the communities with the conduct of this national exercise," Marquez said in a statement.

For his part, Iriberri said: “Under the guidance and direction of the Comelec, rest assured that we will continue to pursue and cultivate the decrease of election related incidents.”

The signing ceremony was held at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame.

Representing the Comelec was Commissioner Luie Tito Guia.

Operational guidelines

Under the AFP-PNP Joint Operational Guidelines, Joint Security Control Centers (JSCC) in all regions will be activated to oversee internal security and counter-terrorism operations by both agencies.

The public may also report violations of election laws, such as the firearm ban, through text messages to their respective JSCCs.

Police and military forces are also expected to establish joint checkpoints with Comelec and organize a task group dedicated to the dismantling of identified Private Armed Groups (PAGs).

The guidelines also define the decorum expected of AFP and PNP personnel during the election period.

“Once more, we will prove to the people we serve that their police and armed forces remain steadfast and highly vigilant against form of lawlessness especially this crucial time in our nation’s history," Marquez said. — Rie Takumi/RSJ, GMA News

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