(PNA file photo)
MANILA – A total of 988 personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) were trained in case they need to serve as Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) in the May 9 polls in Mindanao, a police official said on Friday.
Maj. Gen. Valeriano de Leon, PNP Directorate for Operations Director said in an interview this is part of their preparations in case the teachers withdraw from serving as BEIs due to fears for their lives.
De Leon, who is also concurrent deputy commander of the National Security Task Force on National and Local Elections, said most of the police personnel have previously served as BEIs in past elections.
Police officers can be deputized by the Commission on Election (Comelec) to serve as BEIs if there are no available teachers to serve and if the peace and order situation in an area requires their service.
“Our priority is the 10 areas under Comelec control and areas under the red category so that no one can threaten and intimidate the voters. So far, the PNP has not received a request from the Comelec for police BEIs, but they are ready in case their services are needed),” de Leon said.
He said they are ready to beef up the number of cops in areas that were or will be declared as hotspots by the poll body.
The PNP has mobilized the Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) Unit to help preserve peace and security for the May 9, 2022 elections.
He said two mobile force units with 81 police officers will be placed in each province. (PNA)
