More than 50 police officers were deployed early morning on Monday, May 5, 2025, to secure the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) office in Mangaldan, Pangasinan, as local authorities brace for a safe and peaceful election.

These officers will monitor the safety of the Automated Counting Machines (ACM) starting May 5, 2025.

“Once na nai-deliver na ang mga ACM, kailangan secured na ang mga ‘yun,” PLTCO. Perlito Tuayon, Chief of the Mangaldan Police Station, said.

Around 90 percent of the Pangasinan Provincial Police Office (PPO) has already been stationed in various voting centers. In addition, more officers have been assigned to areas identified as “areas of concern.”

Military forces have also joined the security effort. The Philippine Army deployed troops to Mangaldan, which falls under the yellow category.

These soldiers are part of an augmentation force to assist in ensuring peace.

Besides polling stations, security teams are also guarding town borders, municipal halls, city treasuries, and COMELEC offices.

“Nag-request na rin ang kapulisan ng additional troops doon sa mga lugar na nakikita nilang may matinding pangangailangan,” Atty. Reddy Balarbar, Acting Regional Director of COMELEC-1, said.

Authorities are currently focused on Eastern Pangasinan, where there have been reports of harassment and violence. A shooting incident in San Quintin is under investigation to determine if it is election-related.

“Pinag-aaralan ng ating command kung paano natin mas paigtingin ang seguridad dito sa eastern part ng Pangasinan. May mga reported na insidente na election-related kagaya ng harassment, pananakot at mga siraan,” PCOL. Rollyfer Capoquian, Director of the Pangasinan PPO, said.

Despite the tensions in the east, police say there are no current threats in other parts of the province.

Security forces continue to stay on high alert as the election nears.