Pangasinan: The Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPO) has initiated the deployment of 2,408 personnel to polling centers for the upcoming May 12 midterm elections. The deployment began on Monday, coinciding with the dispatch of automated counting machines (ACMs) to polling centers by the Commission on Elections (Comelec). This effort is part of a larger security measure to ensure the safety and security of voters, as stated by Pangasinan PPO director Col. Rollyfer Capoquian during a ceremonial send-off event at Gov. Antonio Sison Camp.

According to Philippines News Agency, the police personnel are tasked with escorting Comelec deputized vehicles that are transporting the ACMs to various schools. The PPO's strategy includes deploying two police personnel per polling center, achieving a two-to-one ratio, which is aimed at maintaining order during the election process. Col. Capoquian emphasized the importance of this deployment, urging officers to stand their ground and ensure the sanctity of votes, despite the challenges of forfeiting off-duty privileges.

In addition to local police forces, other allied units, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard, will monitor polling centers, including those in island villages. The provincial command has also established checkpoints and Quick Reaction Teams in eight areas of concern, namely Aguilar, Binmaley, Malasiqui, Mangaldan, San Quintin, Sual, Urdaneta, and Dagupan City. These locations have been categorized as yellow due to intense political rivalries and past election-related incidents.

Pangasinan is preparing for 2.1 million registered voters who are expected to participate in the elections across 2,869 clustered precincts. The comprehensive security measures are aimed at facilitating a smooth and secure voting process for the citizens.