SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) — As the midterm elections on May 12, 2025, draw near, Police Regional Office 1 (PRO 1) is taking proactive steps to safeguard the electoral process and ensure public safety.
Anticipating increased activity during the election period, PRO1 has devised a comprehensive security plan that prioritizes proactive measures.
Since the start of the candidacy filing period on October 1, PRO1 Regional Director, Police Brigadier General Lou Evangelista, has directed the intensification of checkpoint operations, preventive patrols, and police visibility across Region 1.
These efforts are complemented by a robust public awareness campaign.
PRO 1 recently launched the iPOLICE eBuzz-ER (ilocos Region Police Online, Law Enforcement, Investigation, Community Affairs, and Emergencies Electronic Buzz Emergency Response) mobile app, a real-time, user-friendly emergency and crime reporting platform that connects users to emergency numbers and nearby police stations.
This innovative tool empowers voters by providing a direct line of communication to emergency services in case of disturbances or other election-related issues.
“I urge the public to promptly report any suspicious activity in their area to expedite our response to criminal incidents. We will further strengthen our forces to ensure a secure Region 1, in compliance with Commission on Elections (Comelec) rules and regulations,” said PBGEN Evangelista.
Regular red teaming operations have been ordered to assess the operational readiness of Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel.
Simulation exercises have been conducted to enhance PRO 1 personnel’s capabilities in managing election-related incidents, crowd control, and emergency response.
“Ensuring a secure, accurate, free, and fair election is a collective responsibility. The PNP remains committed to impartiality and apolitical conduct to safeguard the electoral process,” he stated.
PRO1, in close coordination with the Comelec and other deputized agencies, is developing comprehensive security and contingency plans.
This collaborative effort aims to address potential challenges and improve upon the security measures implemented in previous elections. (AMB/PIA Region 1)
