The Philippine National Police on Thursday said it is now on full alert, five days before the 2025 midterm elections.

PNP spokesperson Jean Fajardo said the national police force is deploying 160,000 police officers to secure polling precincts all over the country.

A total of 370 areas have been designated as areas of concern as of May 5. Of this number, 197 are under yellow category, meaning there is a “presence of suspected election-related incidents, intense political rivalries, potential hiring of private armed groups, or politically motivated election-related incidents, or was declared under Comelec control before.”

A total of 136 areas are under orange category, meaning “a presence of serious armed threats or at least two factors from category yellow.”

Thirty five areas are under red category, with 2 areas now under the control of the Commission on Elections namely Data Odin Sinsuat and Buluan, Maguindanao.

MEDIA ACTION CENTER  

The PNP has activated its media action center, which seeks to address election-related incidents.

Aside from its main office in Camp Crame, the media action center also has satellite offices in police regional quarters nationwide, said PNP Public Information Office deputy chief PCol. Froilan Navarroza.

“Inatasan natin ang mga PIOs sa regional at provincial na magbigay ng pagtugon kaugnay sa ating mga related election incidents sa kanilang respective areas of responsibility,” said Navarroza.

“Ang PNP ina-assure ang mga magrereklamo na makakatiyak sila na mabibigyan sila ng kaukulang proteksyon at hinihikayat namin sila na huwag mag-alinlangan na i-report to kaagad sa PNP,” he said.

The official said the 911 emergency hotline could also be used to report election-related incidents, including vote-buying.

“Saan mang panig ng Pilipinas, isa itong pangunahing sistema na maaaring maging susi sa mabilis na pagresponde sa election-related emergencies o banta sa seguridad. Kapag may matanggap na tawag, kaagad itong ibe-verify, iba-validate at aaksyunan ng PNP,” he said.