PNP officers to serve as electoral board members in Maguindanao Norte for May 12 Polls

DAVAO CITY — Police officers will serve as members of the electoral boards (EBs) in polling precincts in the town of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, for the May 12 elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced on Thursday.

This decision follows a recommendation from Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia to place the area under the poll body’s control. Garcia explained that the move aims to ensure the safety and security of the electoral boards during Election Day.

“The Comelec en banc is set to approve the tapping of PNP personnel from other regions to serve as members of the Electoral Boards, as support staff, and even as Department of Education Supervisor Officials,” Garcia said in an interview.

The poll body chief stressed the importance of the measure to guarantee that the elections proceed smoothly and securely. “Don’t ever test the will of this Commission. Don’t ever test our patience. We will do everything necessary just to ensure the people’s voices are heard,” Garcia warned.

He also pointed out that a similar policy was implemented during the 2022 elections, with over 7,000 trained members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) serving as electoral board members. “We have over 7,000 members of the PNP that underwent training and have been certified as qualified to serve as EBs,” he added.

Garcia mentioned that the Comelec en banc is finalizing discussions regarding the proposal during Thursday’s special en banc meeting. While they await a formal recommendation from the ground, the Comelec en banc can act based on their own determination.

Additionally, Garcia revealed that the Regional Joint Security Command Conference is also discussing expanding Comelec control to cover the entire Maguindanao del Norte province.

The decision to place Datu Odin Sinsuat under Comelec control was prompted by the recent killing of Election Officer Maceda Abo and her husband Jojo, which has raised concerns about security in the area.