LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) –The Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO) attributed the peaceful 2025 National and Local Elections in the province on May 12 to their proactive security measures and collaborative efforts.
Police Colonel Frederick Obar, INPPO provincial director, credited the effective implementation of “Oplan Timpuyog,” a peace-building campaign designed to ease political tensions and promote unity across the province.
“Oplan Timpuyog (Unity)” aimed to foster dialogue and address local political rivalries, with INPPO, in partnership with the Commission on Elections, organizing peace covenant signings in various towns.
These ceremonies, attended by all election candidates, emphasized their commitment to a violence-free campaign and set the tone for a peaceful electoral atmosphere.
Obar outlined the four key strategies that ensured the success of the election security efforts: police operations, human resource management and training, adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and strong community engagement.
“We focused on our operational strategies, ensuring personnel received check-ups and training before deployment, conducting simulation exercises, checkpoint operations, and engaging with the community,” he said during a press conference on Wednesday.
INPPO deployed 1,630 police personnel and received an additional 265 forces from the Rural Headquarters Units, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Army, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Philippine Marines.
This extensive deployment met the Philippine National Police standard of two officers per polling center, ensuring adequate protection for voters and poll workers.
The INPPO also conducted simulation exercises to prepare for potential election-day incidents, such as ballot snatching and automated counting machine malfunctions.
To monitor and address election-related concerns in real time, the INPPO activated its Provincial Election Monitoring Action Center as early as March.
While the elections were peaceful, the INPPO remained vigilant, enforcing election laws and making arrests for violations of the Omnibus Election Code.
One candidate and 14 supporters in Paoay, as well as a barangay kagawad in Laoag City, were arrested for alleged vote-buying and selling.
Thirteen others were reprimanded for violations of the gun ban.
To enhance rapid response capabilities, INPPO deployed 220 Quick Response Teams throughout the province.
First-time voter Janseen Vonn Gomez expressed his gratitude, noting, “The process was smooth and efficient, with clear separation between priority and ordinary voters.”
The Ilocos Norte’s peaceful elections highlight the effectiveness of INPPO’s community-based policing and inter-agency coordination, ensuring safety and encouraging active voter participation. (AMB/EJFG, PIA Ilocos Norte)
