POLICE personnel were tasked to assist in ensuring the safety and observing health protocols in various voter registration sites with only a week remaining on voter registration for the 2022 national and local polls.
The reminder of Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar came after reports that voter registration sites have been overwhelmed and crowded, and registering voters enduring long hours of waiting.
The PNP Chief stressed that police personnel should already begin guaranteeing the orderliness of the election period, starting from the registration process.
“Isang linggo na lang ang natitira at matatapos na ang voter’s registration para sa Halalan 2022 kaya inaasahan natin ang pagdagsa ng ating mga kababayan sa mga registration sites upang makahabol sa itinakdang deadline,” PGen Eleazar mentioned.
He also added that he ordered all chiefs of police and area commanders to anticipate the process by sending personnel to different Comelec registration sites to ensure a peaceful and orderly voter registration as there is still the threat of COVID-19.
In the past weeks, a number of people swarmed to various Comelec offices and satellite voter’s registration areas in malls before the registration period closes.
PGen Eleazar ordered local police offices and units to coordinate with the Local Government Units (LGUs) for assistance once they are sent out to different registration areas.
Voter’s registration period will end on September 30, 2021.
PGen Eleazar emphasized that registration for the upcoming elections is important as everyone’s voices will be heard but it is also important to ensure everyone’s safety by following public health protocols to avoid the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
The Comelec, despite earlier calls to extend the registration period for another month, stood pat on its decision to close the voter registration period by the end of September.