Ilocos Norte: The province of Ilocos Norte remains free of active private armed groups as confirmed by the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office, two months before the national and local elections. "Residents here continue to enjoy generally peaceful communities with no monitored private armed groups," said Col. Frederick Obar, the director of the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO), in a statement.
According to Philippines News Agency, aside from the absence of private armed groups, the province is also free from threats posed by extortion-related election interferences, typically carried out by communist-terrorist groups (CTGs). Col. Obar emphasized that no candidate or political party has been subjected to coercive 'permit-to-campaign' demands by any terrorist organization, ensuring fair competition among all electoral candidates.
Intense security measures, intelligence operations, and community engagement programs are being implemented to maintain the province's stable internal peace and security. Recent initiatives include the renewal of oaths of allegiance and the reorganization of former members of communist groups and front organizations in Badoc, Ilocos Norte under Project KADUA, which stands for Kabinulig Dagiti Umili Nga Mangitandudo Iti Urnos Ti Amianan, meaning partner of the community for unity in the north.
Since the election period began on January 12, no incidents of violence related to the May 12 midterm elections have been reported in the province, according to the Philippine National Police. However, the INPPO is encouraging all candidates, stakeholders, and citizens to collaborate in upholding peace, transparency, and democratic integrity in the province.
Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has identified at least 19 areas in the Ilocos Region under the yellow category for the upcoming May elections due to previous election-related incidents and potential private armed group activity. These areas include towns in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan. Notably, six areas in Ilocos Norte have formally requested a downgrade to the green category, indicating no security threats.
