Even with Pangasinan police on full alert for the upcoming 2025 midterm elections, authorities are not slowing down in their fight against crime and illegal drugs.
According to Police Colonel Rollyfer J. Capoquian, provincial director of the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office, police remain focused on public safety, especially as election day draws near.
Meanwhile, election preparations are in full swing across Region 3.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) confirmed that all 9,584 automated counting machines (ACMs) have been delivered and deployed across Central Luzon.
“As of this time, lahat ng ACMs natin have undergone final testing and sealing. We are ready and we are just waiting for the pagbubukas ng May 12 national and local elections,” Atty. Elmo Duque, Assistant Regional Director of COMELEC Region 3, said.
Police also conducted a simulation exercise to show their readiness. In their latest monitoring, the Police Regional Office 3 listed 16 areas under the “yellow category” or areas of concern for the elections. These include:
- Aurora – 2 areas
- Bataan – 1 area
- Bulacan – 2 areas
- Nueva Ecija – 8 areas
- Pampanga – 3 areas
Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo, Regional Director of PRO-3, said the only private armed group listed in Nueva Ecija has already been delisted.
“Masaya po kaming ibahagi na ang kaisa-isang private armed group na nailista po sa NE ay napa-delist na po natin at nai-account na po natin lahat ng miyembro po diyan. ‘Yung 12, sumurrender po sa atin,” she said.
“Mayroon po tayong binabantayan na criminal gang na posible po magamit, particularly po diyan sa probinsya ng Bulacan, kaya nakatutok po ang kapulisan,” she added.
In Nueva Ecija, schools are also ready to serve as voting centers. Lazaro Francisco Integrated School, one of the largest schools in Cabanatuan City, is all set for Monday. It covers 11 barangays and has 18 polling precincts.
The precincts are locked and guarded by both teachers and police officers, with the ACMs safely in place.
