PNP Chief Police General Guillermo Lorenzo T Eleazar

By Susan G. de Leon

CALOOCANC CITY, (PIA) -- Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Guillermo Lorenzo T Eleazar reminded police officers to make sure that health protocols are being observed in various registration sites, with only a week remaining for the voter registration period for the 2022 National and Local Elections.

Eleazar’s reminder came due to reports that registration sites have supposedly been crowded and that those who flocked the registration venues were greeted with long lines and hours of waiting.

The Chief PNP underscored that police personnel should already start ensuring the orderliness of the election period, beginning with this registration process.

“Isang linggo na lang ang natitira at matatapos na ang voter’s registration para sa Halalan 2022 kaya inaasahan natin ang pagdagsa ng ating mga kababayan sa mga registration sites upang makahabol sa itinakdang deadline,” Eleazar said.

“That is why I ordered all our chiefs of police and area commanders to anticipate this by deploying enough number of personnel in various Comelec registration sites to ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of voter’s registration because of the continuous threat of COVID-19,” he added.

In the past days, a number of people flocked to Comelec offices and satellite voter’s registration in the malls to take advantage of the remaining days before the registration period closes.

Eleazar tasked local police offices and units to coordinate with local government units for the assistance that they could render once deployed in various registration sites.

The voter registration process is scheduled until September 30.

“Mahalaga ng pagpaparehistro upang marinig ang inyong boses sa darating na halalan subalit mahalaga rin na matiyak ang inyong kaligtasan sa pamamagitan ng pagsunod sa mga public health protocols upang maiwasan ang pagkalat ng coronavirus sa inyong mga lugar,” said PGen Eleazar.

There have been calls and bills filed before the Congress to extend it until next month, however, the Comelec has no final decision yet on the matter. (PNP/PIA-NCR)