Polls generally peaceful, successful – PNP

PNP personnel are deployed nationwide at various precincts to ensure a peaceful and secure national and local elections. (Photo: PNP PIO)

MANILA – Despite few recorded incidents of election-related violence in different parts of the country, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Ricardo Marquez on Tuesday described the recently-concluded local and national elections as generally peaceful and successful.

”The Philippine National Police has noted a relatively peaceful situation prevailing nationwide and I am confident that this will be the ultimate outcome until after the entire election process is completed,” Marquez said.

He attributed this to the strong partnership between the military and the PNP and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

”Through the joint efforts of the PNP and AFP to ensure secure and fair elections, we only noted minimal number of incidents from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. yesterday (Monday). Through this I also would like to express my deep gratitude to all PNP and AFP personnel who have been part and who were still in their designated duty of assignment from the day one of the election period up to now. Keep up the good work!,” the PNP Chief said.

He noted that they shall continue to be in a state of full preparedness until the electoral exercise is over.

Marquez said that “again, we are not lowering our guards yet and all election security measures will be similarly implemented in the succeeding days and weeks until the official culmination of the election period on June 8.

”

Meanwhile, he also appealed to all candidates and to their supporters to remain calm and respectful to the rule of law and not to resort to any unscrupulous actions, even as the PNP warned them that they will pursue a relentless investigation of those who want to challenge our resolve.

Marquez added that the PNP vows to ensure and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process until the election period ends.

“Ae ask the public to follow all Comelec rules and cooperate with the different security protocols,” he noted.