THE ACKNOWLEDGMENT by the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) of the potential for criminal gangs to be used during the 2025 midterm elections prompts heightened vigilance and active measures to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process. While these groups may currently be focused on robbery-hold up activities, their possession of firearms raises the alarming possibility that they could be co-opted to serve more dangerous purposes during the election season.
Election periods have historically been a time of heightened tension, particularly in areas with intense political rivalries. The fear of violence — whether real or perceived — can erode public trust in the democratic process, reducing voter turnout and influencing the legitimacy of electoral outcomes. In Iloilo and across the country, the mere possibility that criminal elements could be used to intimidate or coerce voters is a direct attack on democracy itself.
In recent years, Iloilo has taken significant steps to bolster election security. The formation of the Provincial Joint Security Control Center (PJSCC), which includes the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Commission on Elections (Comelec), shows a strong resolve to maintaining peace and order during the election season. However, these efforts must be continually strengthened, especially in the face of evolving threats.
The IPPO’s intelligence efforts, including monitoring the movements of the leaders of criminal gangs, demonstrate a commendable level of preparedness. But this is only one piece of the puzzle. Preventing criminal gangs from interfering with the electoral process requires a broader approach. Law enforcement agencies must be equipped with the necessary resources — not only to track and apprehend these groups but to dismantle their networks entirely. This means intensifying intelligence gathering, ensuring rapid response teams are in place, and conducting coordinated operations to neutralize any threat before it can materialize.
Equally important is the role of the community in this effort. Voters, local leaders, and civil society organizations must remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity that could indicate potential election-related violence. This is particularly true in areas identified as election hotspots, where past incidents of violence or intense political rivalry have made them prone to security risks. The collaboration between citizens and law enforcement is essential in creating a secure environment in which everyone can exercise their right to vote without fear.
Also, Comelec’s system of classifying election hotspots — categorizing areas as green, yellow, orange, or red depending on the level of threat — provides a transparent framework for addressing security concerns. In Iloilo, where criminal gangs and communist terrorist groups have historically been present, this system helps ensure that law enforcement resources are allocated where they are needed most. However, it is crucial that these classifications lead to tangible actions on the ground, such as increased police visibility, road checkpoints, and closer monitoring of critical areas.
Criminal gangs and other disruptive elements have no place in elections, and the people of Iloilo — and the nation as a whole — deserve the right to vote freely and safely.
