MANILA – A total of 674 police officers serving as protective security personnel were recalled as part of poll security preparations, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Wednesday.
In a press conference held at Camp Crame, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said the figure includes 445 officers safeguarding government officials while the remainder are assigned to 197 poll candidates and 228 private individuals.
To facilitate the application for the issuance of a Certificate of Authority for Security Detail (CA-SD), eligible individuals, including incumbent public officials and private citizens, are encouraged to submit their requests through the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Fajardo said.
“As a matter of procedure, the PNP has the power to issue a temporary authority on the availment of security detail because we cannot also disregard the threats to our candidates. Within an unextendible period of 30 days, we will give them a temporary authority to avail of security detail. These would be screened by the Regional Joint Security Control Center which would then make a recommendation to the Comelec, pending the issuance of a certificate of authority allowing them to avail of security detail,” she said.
Fajardo said individuals whose CA-SD applications were denied can reapply but will only be allowed to avail of protective security services of private firms.
“These protection agents should have a license and must be employed under private agencies. Other than that, private individuals cannot work as bodyguards during the election period,” she added.
Each individual, whether a candidate or not, is only allowed to have two protective security personnel.
Gun ban
A total of 85 persons have so far been apprehended since the start of the gun ban for the 2025 midterm elections in January 12.
Fajardo said those arrested include 78 civilians, three security guards, two members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), one government worker and one officer of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).
She said 86 firearms were also confiscated by police officers deployed in 6,327 checkpoints nationwide.
Based on Section 84 of Comelec Resolution No. 11067, all Comelec checkpoints must be coordinated with the local election officer and these must be situated in well-lighted areas.
These should also be manned by PNP, or soldiers or Coast Guard uniformed personnel and led by a ranking official with their name plates and other identification tags clearly visible and readable.
Only a visual search is required and no person may be subjected to a physical or body search in the absence of any reasonable ground to believe that a person has just committed, is about to commit, or is committing a crime.
Also, the personnel manning the checkpoint cannot force motorists to open the trunk or glove compartment of the car or any package contained therein but may ask ordinary or routine questions with courtesy to the vehicle occupant.
Meanwhile, PNP-Internal Affairs Service (IAS) Inspector General Brigido Dulay reminded officers to respect human rights and uphold ethical policing in the conduct of poll checkpoints.
“Checkpoints are a critical aspect of our law enforcement operations, but they must be conducted with utmost respect for the rights of the public. Police personnel who disregard established procedures tarnish the reputation of the PNP and will be held accountable,” Dulay said.
Dulay also called on police commanders to lead by example, underscoring the need for proper supervision and training.
He also warned that any police personnel found violating these protocols would face administrative sanctions. (PNA)