Over 9,000 cops deployed in Bicol for poll duties

COMELEC CHECKPOINT Law enforcers from the Bicol Police Regional Office led by Brig. Gen. Andre Perez Dizon conduct a spot inspection at a Commission on Election checkpoint in Barangay Rizal, West District, Sorsogon City, on March 29, a day after the start of the local campaign period for the May 12 midterm elections. —PBGEN ANDRE PEREZ DIZON/FACEBOOK

LEGAZPI CITY—The Philippine National Police has deployed over 9,000 officers across the Bicol region to ensure the safety and security of voters, candidates and election-related activities for the 2025 elections.

This deployment comes as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) launched its “Oplan Baklas” at the start of the local campaign period on Friday, aimed at removing illegally posted campaign materials.

Police Brig. Gen. Andre Perez Dizon, director of the Bicol Police Regional Office (PRO5), personally oversaw the Oplan Baklas operations in various areas of Legazpi City and rest of Albay.

Dizon also confirmed PRO5’s readiness to secure proclamation rallies and campaign sorties across Bicol, with more than 9,000 personnel deployed to ensure peaceful elections throughout the region.

He emphasized that road and area security are top priorities for the police to ensure the safety of both voters and candidates during the campaign period.

Augmentation force

Maj. Gen. Noe Peñafiel, commander of the Philippine Army’s 9th Infantry Division, confirmed troops are also ready for deployment to augment security forces throughout Bicol.

Peñafiel also urged candidates to avoid paying fees to insurgents in exchange for permits to campaign or guarantees of victory.

He emphasized the need for candidates to refrain from any illegal or violent activities, stressing that the security forces will ensure a fair and peaceful election.

Lawyer Maria Juana Valeza, Comelec director in Bicol, also reminded candidates not to use graduation ceremonies in their campaign.

“Just a reminder to politicians: do not use graduation ceremonies for political campaigning. It’s a solemn ceremony, so your task should be to inspire the students, especially those graduating, to pursue their chosen careers. Do not use that venue to promote your candidacy,” she stressed.

Valeza also emphasized that such events should remain focused on celebrating the achievements of the graduates and should not be politicized.

Dizon further stressed that the PNP must remain nonpartisan throughout the election period, reaffirming its role in protecting democracy and ensuring peace in the country.