If a trouble sparks inside a polling precincts during election day, can policemen go beyond the 50-meter off limit zone to pacify and make arrests?

This question was raised by the Philippine National Police (PNP) as it wants a clear-cut answer in case of such scenario.

Top police officials have asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to come up with an additional resolution elaborating its guidelines on the scope of police security duties during the May 10 polls.

Director Andres Caro, chief of the Directorate for Operations and concurrent deputy commander of the PNP's National Task Force HOPE (Honest, Peaceful and Orderly Elections), said the poll body has to be specific in order for policemen not to be confused come election day.

“We would not like to be misunderstood, we need an additional resolution on this particular issue,” said Caro.

This was echoed by Deputy Director General Edgardo Acuña, deputy chief for Operations and concurrent Task Force HOPE commander, saying policemen who will be assigned to secure polling precincts may end up hesitating on whether or not they would respond if an incident occur inside the polling precincts or within the 50 meter zone.