News Briefs: May 8, 2019

Comelec finalizing quake guidelines for May 13

MANILA, Philippines — Should the Commission on Elections (Comelec) declare a failure of elections or just suspend the exercise in case of a strong quake on May 13?

“The decision is still being made,” said Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez, since “many technicalities are involved” in their deliberations.

But he assured that the poll body has a contingency plan to secure the voting machines and other poll paraphernalia if such quake happens, while police are under instruction to secure the polling places, ensure that the vote-counting machines are not taken out, and the school locked down.

The safety of voters and members of the board of election inspectors is considered of utmost importance, he added. —Tina G. Santos

Enough power on May 13 – Department of Energy

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Energy (DOE) has assured “a sufficient supply of power in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao” on May 13, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said, adding that preparations were underway to ensure a smooth conduct of the midterm elections on Monday.

The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines has placed the Luzon power grid under red alert in recent weeks, with some parts of Luzon suffering power interruptions.

The DOE has also asked Malacañang to extend the poll holiday to May 14 to ensure that there would be no power interruptions during the tallying of votes, but the Palace has yet to issue a proclamation declaring May 13 and May 14 as holidays. —Julie M. Aurelio

Navy acquires 2 ‘Wildcat’ choppers to detect subs

Two brand-new antisubmarine helicopters arrived on Tuesday giving the Philippine Navy the capacity to detect and hunt subsurface vessels passing through the country’s territorial waters.

Navy flag officer in command Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad said the Leonardo AW159 “Wildcat” helicopters have sonar capability to detect and destroy submarines since they are armed with missiles and torpedoes.

The helicopters will be carried by two missile-armed frigates expected to be delivered in 2020 and 2021, Empedrad said.

The Navy acquired the Leonardo helicopters for P5.4 billion, with munition, mission essential equipment and integrated logistics support included in the cost. —Jeannettee I. Andrade