WHEREAS, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), through its Resolution No. 10255 (s. 2018), resolved to request the concurrence of the President in the deputation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies and instrumentalities of the Government, in connection with the following Plebiscites: 

1. 24 March 2018 Plebiscite in the entire Municipality of Dumalneg, Province of Ilocos Norte;

2. 24 March 2018 Plebiscite in Barangay Amduntog, Municipality of Asipulo, Province of Ifugao; and

3. 07 April 2018 Plebiscite in the Municipality of Bumbaran, Province of Lanao del Sur.

WHEREAS, Republic Act (RA) No. 10955 provides for the division of Barangay Dumalneg in the Municipality of Dumalneg, Province of Ilocos Norte;

WHEREAS, RA No. 10957 provides for the creation of a Barangay in the Municipality of Asipulo, Province of Ifugao;

WHEREAS, Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act No. 316 provides for the change of name of the Municipality of Bumbaran into Municipality of Amai Manabiiang in the Province of Lanao Dei Sur; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 2 (4), Article IX-C of the Constitution, the COMELEC is empowered to deputize, with the concurrence of the President, law enforcement agencies and instrumentalities of the Government, including the AFP, for the exclusive purpose of ensuring free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible elections.

THEREFORE, I, RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution and existing laws, hereby concur with COMELEC Resolution No. 10255, deputizing the AFP, the PNP and other law enforcement agencies and instrumentalities of the Government, in connection with the abovementioned Plebiscites.

The foregoing law enforcement agencies and other concerned agencies are hereby directed to coordinate and cooperate with the COMELEC in the performance of their duties and functions.

This Memorandum Order shall take effect immediately.

DONE, in the City of Manila, this 23rd day of March , in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Eighteen.

(SGD.) RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE

By the President:

(SGD.) SALVADOR C. MEDIALDEA
Executive Secretary