PNP to deploy 844 personnel in Agusan Sur for upcoming elections
By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) — A total of 844 Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel will be deployed across Agusan del Sur to ensure the safety and security of the National and Local Elections on May 12, 2025.
This was highlighted during a press conference at the Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office (ADSPPO) in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
According to Colonel Yahya Bustamante Yusup, ADSPPO director, this initiative aims to help maintain a peaceful and orderly election in the province. The ADSPPO has targeted the deployment of two personnel per polling precinct, with the support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
“Our Police Regional Office 13 assures us that they will provide additional security if the need arises. They are prepared to deploy a quick reaction team to assist us here in Agusan del Sur,” he said.
“The Commission on Elections (COMELEC), in coordination with our joint assessment with the AFP, has placed Rosario, Agusan del Sur under the yellow status category. We are taking all necessary measures to ensure that the events of previous elections in Rosario do not recur,” he added.
PCol. Yusup further shared that, as of now, the province remains peaceful during the campaign period, with no reports of tension among the different candidates. Agusan del Sur is currently under the green status category, which signifies an orderly situation.
As of the moment, the ADSPPO is yet to receive reports of private armed groups in the province that may cause disturbance on the campaign period or election day. However, they remain vigilant and on high alert. The office is continuously coordinating with COMELEC Agusan del Sur to prevent any election-related violations.
We are intensifying our intelligence gathering. So far, we have no confirmed data on private armed groups, but we assure the public that if anyone observes their presence in their area, they should report it to us immediately so we can take appropriate action,” he said.
In preparation for any possible disturbances during the election, the ADSPPO has designated a mobile force for crowd control. A quick response team, trained in civil disturbance management, is also on standby, except for those assigned directly to polling precincts.
Additionally, 150 police personnel have been specially trained to assist COMELEC. They are prepared to step in if any teachers assigned to polling duties withdraw due to unforeseen circumstances.
The PNP assures the public that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure a safe, peaceful, and orderly election.
We are encouraging everyone to cooperate, collaborate, and coordinate with us, because we believe that together, as one, we can preserve peace and order in the province of Agusan del Sur,” said PCol. Yusup. (KKG/PIA Agusan del Sur)
