The conduct of free, fair, and peaceful elections in a democratic country like the Philippines is a cornerstone of good governance. To ensure the integrity of the electoral process, the Philippine National Police (PNP) led by its Chief, Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, has employed key mechanisms including the deployment of support forces.
As PNP intensifies its security preparations for the forthcoming May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE) and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Election, the NHQ Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF) concluded its 7-day training on April 30, 2025, which commenced on April 22, 2025, held at NHQ Grandstand – PNP Transformation Oval, Camp BGen Rafael T Crame in Quezon City. [This move was in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the Bagong Pilipinas to continuously carry out its duty to protect democracy and ensure public safety.]
The training highlighted the Civil Disturbance Management Operations Seminar (CDMOS) and Medical Response Training (MRT) for the 2nd Quarter RSSF. Over a thousand trainees underwent rigorous training, demonstrating with a firm commitment to uphold security, public order, and human rights before, during, and after the electoral process.
Though often working behind the scenes, RSSF serves as a reserve unit that can be mobilized quickly in response to emergency situations, unrest, or any security threats that may arise during elections. This preparedness sends a strong message to both the public and potential lawbreakers of PNP’s vigilance to respond to any election-related violence.
This initiative, led by the Task Group on Human Resources through the Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine Development (DHRDD), aimed to strengthen the operational readiness and response capability of the NHQ RSSF.
Leading the said culmination was PLtGen Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Deputy Chief PNP for Administration, who represented the PNP Chief. He emphasized PNP’s readiness to safeguard the upcoming election process, particularly in areas requiring cultural sensitivity and heightened vigilance.
Also, present at the event were COMELEC Chairperson George Erwin Garcia; and Deputy Chief PNP for Operations, PLtGen Robert T. Rodriguez, who both expressed their full support to the participants and the activity.
In his written message, the Top Cop reaffirmed the organization’s pledge to work with the Commission on Elections, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and other partner agencies to maintain the integrity and order of the 2025 Elections. He reminded everyone that the police uniform is not only a symbol of authority, but also reflects the trust and hope of the Filipino people in the impartial enforcement of democratic values and civic duty.
As Election Day approaches, PNP’s commitment to serve as the guardian of peace, order, and democracy in our society remains steadfast.
