20/03/2025
CPNP MARBIL VOWS TO END ELECTION VIOLENCE IN MAGUINDANAO
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco D. Marbil has vowed to crack down on election-related violence in Maguindanao, stressing that the PNP will not tolerate intimidation, coercion, or any attempt to subvert the democratic process.
Speaking at the Political Candidates Forum and Peace Covenant Signing at the 6th Infantry Battalion Headquarters in Awang, Cotabato City, Gen. Marbil emphasized the PNP’s crucial role in ensuring a secure, fair, and orderly electoral process.
“The peace covenant is more than just a symbolic gesture—it is a solemn commitment to the Filipino people. The PNP will relentlessly pursue those who resort to violence and intimidation to manipulate elections. We will protect democracy, ensuring that leaders are chosen through ballots, not bullets,” Gen. Marbil declared.
The event gathered key figures in the country’s electoral and security sectors, including COMELEC Chairman Edwin George Garcia, Police Brigadier General Romeo J. Macapaz, Regional Director of PRO-BAR, officials from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Cotabato City PNP, and local government representatives. Their collective presence underscored a unified stand against election-related violence.
With the theme “Safe and Peaceful Elections in Maguindanao: Secure and Fair Elections Promoting Equality, Accountability, Cooperation, Empowerment for Unity, and Lasting Peace,” the forum aimed to foster unity among political aspirants and community leaders, reinforcing their shared commitment to peace and the rule of law.
The Peace Covenant Signing signified a collective pledge by candidates to respect election results, maintain peace, and reject the use of force or threats against political rivals. This initiative forms part of the government’s broader efforts to dismantle the deeply rooted culture of election-related violence in the region.
As the elections draw closer, Gen. Marbil assured the public that the PNP, in close coordination with COMELEC and the AFP, is implementing intensified security measures to deter lawless elements and guarantee the safety of voters.
“The people deserve a Bagong Pilipinas where leaders are chosen through integrity, not fear. The PNP will not waver in its duty to uphold democracy and protect the people’s right to free and fair elections,” he stressed.
The event concluded with a strong collective call for peaceful and credible elections, marking another milestone in the PNP’s nationwide campaign to uphold security, fairness, and accountability in the 2025 elections.