With the national campaign period starting on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPO) has assured its readiness to secure candidates and ensure peaceful elections in the vote-rich province.
Pangasinan, one of the most vote-rich provinces in the Philippines, is expected to see frequent visits from candidates.
The PPO has already set up a security package to ensure the safety of political aspirants during their campaigns.
“On the part of the Police Provincial Office, may mga nakalatag tayo na security package regarding diyan including doon sa road security ng ating aspirant. Pati area security para masiguro ang kanilang kaligtasan habang sila’y nangangampanya dito sa ating lugar,” PCOL. Rollyfer Capoquian, Pangasinan PPO Director, said.
Despite this, no national candidates have coordinated with the police yet regarding their campaign schedules in the province.
AREAS OF CONCERN
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has identified eight areas of concern in Pangasinan, which fall under the Yellow Category, meaning they have a history of election-related incidents:
- Dagupan City
- Urdaneta City
- Aguilar
- Binmaley
- Malasiqui
- Mangaldan
- Sual
- San Quintin
However, Pangasinan Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Ericson Oganiza clarified that recent gun ban arrests at checkpoints are not election-related.
“Sa ngayon, walong lugar ang nasa areas of concern and sabi ng PNP may mga arrested sila sa gun ban. Ito ‘yung sa mga checkpoint pero hindi ito maituturing na election-related,” he said.
COMELEC also reminded candidates to follow election rules to avoid committing violations.
