MANILA, Philippines— President Rodrigo Duterte has allowed the deputation of the military and police officers to ensure peace and order during the December 7 plebiscite in Compostela Valley.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) earlier sought the assistance of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) for the plebiscite to ratify Republic Act No. 11297 also known as “An Act Renaming the Province of Compostela Valley as the Province of Davao De Oro.”
Under Memorandum Order No. 42 signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea by Duterte’s authority on November 28, the chief executive directed the AFP and the PNP to coordinate and cooperate with the Comelec in the performance of their duties and functions.
Under the Constitution, the Comelec is empowered to deputize law enforcement agencies with the concurrence of the President “for the exclusive purpose of ensuring free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible elections.”
In line with the upcoming plebiscite, the President likewise issued Proclamation 865, declaring December 7 a special non-working holiday in the province of Compostela to allow its people to “actively and fully participate in the plebiscite and exercise their right to vote.