Duterte orders AFP, PNP to ensure peaceful barangay, SK polls

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has authorized government law enforcement agencies including the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to ensure a peaceful and orderly synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

In Memorandum Order 21, Duterte concurred the deputation of law enforcement agencies and instrumentalities of the government including the Armed Forces for the village and SK polls on May 14.

“The foregoing law enforcement agencies and other concerned agencies are hereby directed to coordinate and cooperate with the Comelec (Commission on Elections) in the performance of their duties,” the order read.

The memorandum was signed last Friday but was released to the media on Monday. It shall take effect immediately.

Duterte concurred with the Comelec’s request to approve its authority to deputize the military in connection with the Oct. 23, 2017 barangay and SK polls. The elections, however, was rescheduled to May 14.

The order is also pursuant to Section 2 (4) Article IX-C of the Constitution which states that the Comelec is empowered to deputize, with the concurrence of the president, law enforcement agencies and instrumentalities of the government. They are asked to assist the poll body in ensuring a free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible election.