Ilocos Norte: Thirty-two police officers from the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO) have been deployed to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to serve as Board of Election Inspectors for the upcoming midterm elections scheduled for May 12.

According to Philippines News Agency, the deployment comes as part of efforts to ensure credible, orderly, and peaceful elections in regions identified as having security concerns. The data indicates there are 362 areas of concern for the upcoming elections, with 34 classified under the 'red' category, which denotes areas with serious armed threats and a history of election-related incidents. Col. Frederick Obar, director of the INPPO, emphasized during a media interview that the officers had undergone specialized training by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to prepare for their roles.

During the send-off ceremony at Camp Capt. Valentin S. Juan, Col. Obar highlighted the importance of professionalism, impartiality, and dedication among the officers. He stressed these principles as crucial for supporting a peaceful electoral process and urged the officers to remain vigilant, prioritize their safety, and ensure their safe return after the assignment.

Obar clarified that Ilocos Norte itself has no identified areas of concern, as officially assessed by authorities. He addressed misinformation regarding political rivalry in the province, reassuring the public that the situation remains stable and free from intense political conflicts.

To maintain order in Ilocos Norte during the election period, the 32 officers sent to BARMM will be replaced by 40 new recruits. Additionally, 146 members of the Quick Reaction Teams will be stationed across various election precincts to facilitate smooth election proceedings.