THE Commission on Elections has deputized the military and police to ensure peace and order in next year’s elections, Malacañang said Sunday.
“The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police have been deputized by the Commission on Elections as the main authority in ensuring peace and order during the national elections in May 2016,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. told state-run dzRB radio.
“One aspect here is the implementation of a gun ban,” he said.
The Comelec tasked the police to secure its officials, who it said were the targets of election-related violence.
The PNP will also secure the voting, canvassing and consolidation centers manned by the Comelec and safeguard all ballot boxes and other election materials.
The National Bureau of Investigation will provide support to the police.
Coloma said the control of firearms and the confiscation of illegal weapons were key in achieving peaceful and orderly elections.
“That is why this is a priority program of the AFP and PNP as deputized agents of the Comelec,” Coloma said.