AFP goes on red alert ahead of May 13 polls

Philippine troops stand at attention during a send-off ceremony for the May 13 midterm elections Tuesday, May 7, 2019 at Camp Aguinaldo in suburban Quezon city, northeast of Manila, Philippines. More than 200,000 police and Philippine troops along with thousands more teachers and government workers are mobilized for the midterm elections that would elect 12 senators, congressmen and local leaders in the country. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has gone on red alert on Friday ahead of the midterm elections to ensure it is ready to respond to any threats or emergency.

The red alert status took effect at 8 a.m., AFP chief Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. said in a statement.

A total of 98,000 soldiers have been deployed to assist the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Philippine National Police on May 13.

Almost 1,200 areas across the country have been earlier identified by the Comelec as elections hotspots.

Around 18,000 positions from local councils to senators are up for grabs for the midterm elections. /jpv

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