PNP to help secure order during voter registration —Eleazar

The Philippine National Police on Friday assured the public that the organization is prepared to secure the conduct of voter registration for the 2022 polls.

In a statement, the PNP said that its top cop Police General Guillermo Eleazar made the assurance after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) extended the registration hours to accommodate more applicants.

“Bahagi ito ng aming responsibilidad tuwing election season na tiyaking maging maayos at matiwasay ang lahat ng mga aktibidad na may kinalaman sa halalan, mula sa registration ng mga botante hanggang sa pagdeklara ng mga nanalo,” Eleazar was quoted in the statement as saying. 

[Ensuring that every election season's activities are conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner -- from registration to declaration of winners -- is part of the PNP's responsibility.]

Recently, the Comelec changed the registration schedule from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Monday through Friday -- previously slated from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. only.

Likewise, Eleazar noted that police personnel deployed to secure voter registration should also follow minimum public health safety standards and quarantine protocols in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also, the PNP chief directed police offices on the ground to coordinate with local government units regarding safety measures.

Considering that cops were also deployed to secure vaccination sites, he reminded police commanders to ensure a strategic and balanced deployment of personnel. —Joviland Rita/LBG, GMA News