Police in Dagupan City prepared early to secure the Automated Counting Machines (ACMs) ahead of the 2025 midterm elections on May 12.

Each precinct will have two police officers to ensure the safety of the vote-counting machines, and maintain peace and order in the polling areas.

“We have 60 personnel, two every voting center ang ide-deploy natin na personnel para magbantay ng counting machines,” PCPT Shayne Daciego, spokesperson of the Dagupan City Police Station, said.

Teachers assigned as members of the Electoral Board carried the ACMs and loaded them into jeeps headed to the barangays. Police officers joined them to provide security during transport and while stationed at the voting centers.

According to Election Officer, Atty. Michael Franks Sarmiento, the machines have been tested in their warehouse but will still undergo final testing.

“Nag-undergo na po 'yan ng series of tests sa warehouse po natin but, then again, magsasagawa pa rin tayo ng final testing tomorrow,” he said.

Teachers are hopeful for smooth and safe elections.

“Sana maging maayos and then maging healthy kaming lahat na aakto para maging matiwasay ang eleksyon,” Marilou Taminaya, assistant principal of West Central Elementary School 1, said.

For island barangays, teachers boarded boats carrying the ACMs while the Philippine Coast Guard assisted in ensuring safe transport.

Meanwhile, COMELEC warned the public against fake information circulating online that voters are required to bring their National ID to vote.

“Hindi po hahanapan ang sinumang botante ng kanilang ID para makaboto. Only those voters whose identity is challenged by the watchers ang required mag-present ng ID,” Sarmiento said.