BASILAN – The entire police force across Basilan province has completed a three-day orientation seminar on Special Electoral Boards (SEBs) under the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to ensure readiness for the upcoming national and local elections on May 12, 2025.
Basilan Provincial Police Director, Col. Cerrazid Umabong, confirmed that 100% of the Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel in the province are mobilized and prepared to act as backup electoral board members should public school teachers be unable to serve for any reason on election day.
Some areas in Basilan have been declared election hot spots, increasing the likelihood that PNP personnel will be deployed as electoral board members in these locations. According to Comelec records, five out of Basilan’s 11 municipalities have been identified as “areas of concern.” These are Lamitan City, Maluso, Mohammad Ajul, Albarka, and Akbar.
The orientation seminar, which began on March 25, is part of broader efforts to maintain peace and order during the elections and ensure a smooth voting process. Authorities remain vigilant, emphasizing the importance of security preparations in high-risk areas.
With this initiative, the Basilan police force stands ready to assist in upholding the integrity of the elections while ensuring the safety of voters and election personnel alike.