PNP intensifies operations vs. violence as Eleksyon 2025 nears

The Philippine National Police (PNP), on Thursday, said it has intensified its operations to prevent violence and maintain public order as Eleksyon 2025 draws near.

The PNP issued the statement in the wake of the fatal shooting of Rizal, Cagayan Mayor Joel Ruma during a campaign rally on Wednesday.

At the same time, the PNP also mentioned that a media practitioner had been receiving threats in Abra after posting critical content online, which had raised various concerns within the media community.

PNP has since activated a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) to investigate the Cagayan shooting while working on the threats in Abra with the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS).

They also expressed support for the Media Vanguards Initiative, which aims to protect media professionals under threat.

“We will never allow fear and violence to dictate the outcome of our democratic process… We are fully committed to protecting every Filipino’s right to vote freely and safely," PNP chief Police General Rommel Marbil said.

"As election day draws near, we call on all sectors of society to stand with us—be vigilant, be responsible, and help us ensure a peaceful, honest, and orderly election. The rule of law will prevail, and those who threaten it will be held accountable,”" he added. —Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/NB, GMA Integrated News

For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.