AFP, PNP, PCG sign operational guidelines for Eleksyon 2022 security

The Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and the Philippine Coast Guard have signed a directive with the Commission on Elections to ensure a safe, accurate, free, and fair May 9 elections.

According to AFP statement, AFP Chief of Staff General Andres Centino, PNP Chief Police General Dionardo Carlos, PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu, and Comelec Chairman Saidamen Balt Pangarungan met and attended the third Joint Command Conference at the AFP Commissioned Officers Club in Camp Aguinaldo on Friday.

They have signed the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council (JPSCC) Letter Directive Nr 02-2022 on Operational Guidelines for the National and Local Elections 2022, which provided the policies and guidelines of the member agencies deputized by the Comelec to conduct peace and security operations in Eleksyon 2022.

The PNP will take the lead role in law enforcement operations, including the investigation and the providing of assistance on Comelec in the prosecution of election related cases.

Meanwhile, the PCG will take the lead in law enforcement operations in coastal or maritime areas, while the AFP will be in the support role in the conduct of joint operations involving suppression of insurgency and other serious threats to national security.

The AFP, PNP, and PCG were also directed to provide security to polling places, including election materials to be used in connection with the elections, pursuant to provisions of Comelec Resolutions No. 10755 and No. 10743.

The member agencies will also provide security to Comelec personnel, its deputies and other persons performing election-related functions and make available available land, air and watercraft assets, communication systems and other equipment to assist the commission.

Government authorities will also look into the existence of and prevent any armed group organized to commit acts of terrorism and threats to intimidate or coerce any person to vote for or against a candidate.

“With the campaign period for both national and local posts in full swing, now more than ever, we in the AFP implore troops deployed all over the country to remain vigilant against entities that may threaten or prevent our citizens from safely exercising their constitutional right to vote the next leaders of our nation, including our local government executives,” Centino said.

The AFP and PNP presented security updates during the meeting, which was attended by the energy sector, electoral boards, and the Inter-Agency Task Forces for the Management of Emerging and Infectious Disease. 

Duly-authorized representatives from the Department of Health, Department of Energy and Department of Education were also in attendance, as well as the Joint Cells of the JPSCC, while AFP Unified Commanders participated through video teleconference. —LBG, GMA News