Nueva Ecija: The Nueva Ecija police received military reinforcements on Saturday to boost security measures across the province for the May 12 elections. In a send-off ceremony at the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office, Lt. Col. Ryan Joseph Cayton, commander of the Philippine Army's 70th Infantry Battalion, turned over seven squads, comprising 66 soldiers, to Col. Ferdinand Germino, the province's police director. The troops will serve as augmentation forces, supporting police efforts to maintain peace and order leading up to and during election day.

According to Philippines News Agency, the military presence is intended to provide swift response capabilities in the event of election-related disturbances. 'We have completed the preparation phase and are now entering the execution phase,' Germino said in his message. 'This final stretch is the most critical -- we must give our all to ensure a peaceful and credible election.'

Germino also reminded all officers, both police and military, to remain apolitical and adhere strictly to the principles of professionalism and neutrality throughout their deployment. The deployment comes amid heightened security preparations nationwide, as law enforcement agencies brace for potential hotspots and incidents that could mar the integrity of the electoral process.