PNP goes on full alert ahead of May 13 polls

PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Generoso Cerbo Jr. INQUIRER.NET FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday placed its 140,000-strong force nationwide under full alert status as part of its preparation for the midterm elections next week, its spokesman said.

Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. said the highest alert grade was activated earlier Monday and will remain in effect until after all election security operations were completed.

Under full alert, all leaves of absence were temporarily cancelled and all PNP personnel are required to report to their designated posts.

“Police Regional Directors were given the authority to extend the effectivity of the full alert status depending on the prevailing situation in their areas of responsibility,” Cerbo said.

PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima earlier ordered the deployment of 30,000 troop augmentation force composed of 18,000 PNP personnel pulled out from administrative duty in PNP offices and 12,000 more who are currently undergoing training and schooling.

Alongside the raising of the alert status is the activation of the Media Operations Center of the National Task Force SAFE 2013 (Secure and Fair Elections).

Cerbo said the activation of the NTF SAFE Media Operations Center is among the key features of Oplan Last Two Weeks launched by the Department of the Interior and Local Government-PNP to intensify election security efforts for the May 13 elections.

Cerbo said the media center, located on the second floor of Camp Crame’s Multi-Purpose Hall, will be operational 24/7 until Task Force SAFE concludes the security efforts for the elections.

“The Media Center features live updates of situations in the Police Regional and Provincial Offices. The NTF SAFE Media Center will hold regular press briefing every 11 a.m. daily, and periodic press briefing for significant live updates from the field,” the spokesman said.