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The kick off of the local campaign period for Eleksyon 2025 last Friday, March 28, was generally peaceful with no major incidents nationwide, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

In a statement, the PNP said it implemented strict security measures in coordination with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and other law enforcement agencies to ensure peace and order as the 45-day local campaign period kicked off.

The PNP assured the police organization’s continuing commitment to keep the country safe throughout the campaign period, with operational checkpoints and a gun ban implemented across the country.

Likewise, the PNP reminded candidates that vote-buying and vote-selling are serious offenses.

“The PNP urges the public to remain vigilant, report any election-related violations, and fully cooperate with authorities to uphold a clean, honest, and peaceful electoral process,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, Comelec Chairman George Garcia gave the same impression that the start of the local campaign period was generally peaceful.

He lamented, however, the volume of illegal campaign materials that the authorities had to remove as part of the poll body’s “Oplan Baklas.”

Earlier, the Comelec reported that the number of areas listed under the “red” category for Eleksyon 2025 decreased from 38 to 36. These areas are deemed to have a serious threat of election-related violence.

Comelec Resolution 11086, which sets the rules and regulations for Republic Act 9006 or the Fair Elections Act, scheduled the campaign period for the national candidates from February 11 to May 10. The campaign period for local positions will run until May 10, 2025.

Candidates are not allowed to campaign on April 17 (Maundy Thursday), April 18 (Good Friday), May 11 (eve of Election Day), and May 12 (Election Day.)