Absentee voting: 1,903 Metro Manila cops to cast ballots

MANILA, Philippines — More than 1,900 police officers in Metro Manila are expected to finish casting their ballot in the local absentee voting this week as the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) aims to deploy over 4,000 personnel to polling precincts during the May 9 general elections.

NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Felipe Natividad said of the number of absentee voters, 203 are from the Regional Headquarters, 116 from the Northern Police District, 143 from the Eastern Police District, 113 from the Manila Police District, 332 from the Southern Police District and 442 from the Quezon City Police District.

For support units, there are 21 absentee voters from the Police Security and Protection Group, 30 from the Air Unit, 76 from the Aviation Security Group, 22 from the Regional Maritime Unit Maritime, 19 from Special Operations Units, 374 from the Special Action Force, nine from the Regional Internal Affairs Service and three from the Regional Field Unit.

There are six voting centers assigned for Metro Manila police personnel, including Camp Crame in Quezon City.

“Take advantage of the opportunity in order to maximize the deployment of the police force and utilize all resources in securing peace and order during the elections,” Natividad told the NCRPO personnel.

The NCRPO said over 4,000 police personnel would be deployed to secure the elections.

Earlier, Natividad said 2,584 NCRPO personnel have undergone training for election duties.

Under the Commission on Elections’ Resolution No. 10443, police are allowed to participate in absentee voting, provided they are duly registered voters and assigned in places where they are not registered.

“As the elections draw near, I would like to remind our personnel to uphold discipline and professionalism while in the performance of duties. Continue to remain non-partisan and neutral at all times,” Natividad said.