904 AFP, PNP Personnel in Region 1 to Be Deployed for May 13 Elections

The joint forces of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippes (AFP) in Region 1 are ready to secure the upcoming national and local elections on May 13.

On May 6, a send-off ceremony was held for a total of 904 PNP and AFP personnel in the region. The activity coincided with the traditional Monday flag raising ceremony of the Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1).

In his message, PRO1 acting regional director BGen. Joel S. Orduna informed the preparations which the PNP had undergone in the conduct of the elections.

“We are now in our final phase of our security preparations and there is no turning back for us in the performance of our election duties,” he said.

As law enforcers, he told all his personnel that “It is our call and obligation to safeguard every electorate, polling centers, and election paraphernalia to ensure a credible, peaceful, and orderly conduct of elections.”

Regional Director Ederlino U. Tabilas of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Region 1 was invited as the event’s guest of honor and speaker.

For his part, Tabilas underscored the importance of the security forces in “paving the way towards the conduct of successful elections.”

“You have been into many missions in the past, but the incoming mission that you will undertake is the greatest mission that you’re going into,” he said.

He also gave the personnel two points to remember during their duty. First is for them to “act with fervor and not to be fearful” and “to be forceful but with conscience.”

“Go forth and let your names be written in the history of elections of Region 1 as great defenders of democracy,” he added.

Meanwhile, the security forces also took an oath before their commanders and Comelec officials to ensure the fulfillment of their election duties. (JNPD/PIA La Union)