PNP ready to secure poll proclamations

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) said they are now readying the security arrangements for the proclamation of former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio as the nation’s new president and vice president.

PNP director for operations, Maj. Gen. Valeriano de Leon said they will continue to monitor any mass gathering that may arise as the country is now transitioning to the next administration.

“It’s still the election period, and we have a lot to do. The PNP will continue its monitoring, intelligence gathering, and other police functions to ensure a seamless and peaceful transition of power on June 30,” de Leon said in his statement.

Marcos is expected to be proclaimed next week leading the rest of the presidential candidates with a huge 31 million votes against his nearest rival, Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo, who has 14 million votes, as based on the 98.35 percent of election returns from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Transparency Media Server.

The PNP earlier declared that the May 9 polls were generally peaceful, noting the lowest election-related incidents.

De Leon said that other regions will be secured to prevent postelection violence.

De Leon said some groups and individuals continue to sow violence as a result of intense political rivalry, particularly at the local level, based on PNP experience. The election period is until June 9.

Meanwhile, de Leon lauded the policemen who secured the canvassing of ballots and the proclamation of the 12 winning senators at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

Since the polls closed at 7 p.m. on May 9, the Comelec, sitting as the National Board of Canvassers, has been canvassing and tallying ballots at the PICC in Pasay City.

“Even before the canvassing, we had already positioned a sufficient number of our staff at the PICC as part of the security measures,” de Leon said.

“I convey my profound thanks to our personnel in the region on behalf of PNP Officer in Charge LtGen. Vicente Danao Jr. for their hard work, sacrifices and for performing their jobs well,” he added.