PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. has ordered the PNP to observe “heightened vigilance” during the Christmas season and ensure the protection of next year’s national and local elections.
Marcos issued the directive during a command conference, attended by top PNP officials at the national headquarters at Camp Crame, Quezon City.
“As the holiday season approaches, he directed the PNP to ensure peace and order, with particular focus on the safety of travelers, minimizing traffic congestion and facilitating smooth public activities,” the PNP said in a statement.
“He emphasized the need to maintain heightened vigilance during this busy period,” the PNP added.
The PNP said the President highlighted the need for the police force “to remain proactive and vigilant in addressing emerging challenges.”
Exploitation of children, cybercrimes, and next year’s elections were also among the many issues during the command conference, the PNP said.
“The President also stressed that no crime is worse than the exploitation of children, urging the police force to intensify efforts in protecting the youth from all forms of abuse and exploitation. This aligns with his administration’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable sectors of society,” it said.
The President also instructed the PNP “to intensify its campaign against illegal firearms and dismantle private armed groups” in relation to next year’s elections.
“He underscored the importance of creating a secure and peaceful environment to uphold the integrity of the electoral process,” the PNP said.
It said the President also called for sustained operations against illegal drugs.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil expressed the PNP’s dedication to fulfilling the President’s directives.
“The entire Philippine National Police stands united in its mission to serve and protect the Filipino people. We assure President Marcos Jr.of our full support as we implement these priorities to strengthen peace and security across the nation,” said Marbil.
Marcos also reiterated his directive to keep the conduct of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) polls next year peaceful and orderly, stressing that the “electoral process is key to peace in Mindanao.”
Last month, Marcos met with BARMM officials as part of efforts to strengthen the collaboration between the national and regional governments, especially in promoting peace and prosperity in the region and ensuring peace and stability during the conduct of the BARM elections in May 2025.
Executive Order (EO) No. 773, s. 2009 reorganized the NPOC to oversee the government’s integrated peace and order efforts and provide a forum for interdisciplinary dialogue to address issues affecting peace and order.
The RPOC, on the other hand, was organized through EO No. 773 to recommend measures to improve or enhance peace and order and public safety initiatives and orchestrate the internal security efforts of civil authorities, the military, and the police. – With Jocelyn Montemayor
