DILG: At least 4K cops deployed in NCR to provide security for Eleksyon 2022 local campaign

Around 4,000 to 5,000 policemen have been deployed in the National Capital Region to ensure peace and order during the local campaign for Eleksyon 2022, an official of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said Saturday.

"Nag-deploy tayo ng nasa 4,000 hanggang 5,000 na mga pulis sa NCR," DILG Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs Martin Diño said in an interview on Dobol B TV.

(We deployed 4,000 to 5,000 policemen in NCR.)

On Friday, the 45-day campaign period for local elections started, with candidates vying for around 18,000 local positions. 

Diño reminded barangay officials to remain apolitical in accordance with the Omnibus Election Code guidelines.

"Mahigpit na ibinilin ng DILG sa mga barangay ang Omnibus Election Code na ang mga barangay ay apolitical... Hindi pwedeng mangampanya ang mga barangay," he said.

(The DILG strictly reminded barangays that the Omnibus Election Code states that barangays should be apolitical. Barangay personnel should not take part in campaigns.)

"Bawal din ang pagsusuot ng mga barangay official ng T-shirt na may nakalagay na 'vote' at pangalan ng kandidato," he added.

(Barangay officials should also not wear T-shirts that say 'Vote' with the name of a candidate.)

"Puwede namang dumalo sa political activities ang barangay officials pero dapat walang endorsement ng kandidato," the DILG official said.

(Barangay officials can attend political activities but they should not endorse any candidate.)

Diño also said barangay tanods should not be made marshals during campaign rallies. Instead, organizers should provide their own marshals.

The DILG official also reminded candidates that they cannot use government facilities and vehicles in campaigning.

Diño also said venues may only be filled up to 70% of capacity during rallies in areas under Alert Level 1.

Eleksyon 2022 will be held on May 9. —KG, GMA News