PNP on full alert status for mid-term elections

Security measures are in place for the May 12 mid-term elections, with the 235,000-strong Philippine National Police (PNP) going on full alert status beginning midnight yesterday until May 15 or three days after the polls.

- By EMMANUEL TUPAS

"Our personnel are committed to maintaining peace and order throughout the election period," PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said in a statement.

He said police officers across the country are ready to thwart acts of violence, especially those meant to disrupt or undermine the integrity and credibility of the elections.

Marbil said the PNP is working closely with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and other government agencies to make sure the public's right of suffrage is not compromised.

As a precaution, Marbil said he has instructed all standby support and quick reaction forces as well as regional units to always remain on guard during the election period and respond immediately to reports of any untoward incident.

Police units have also heightened their presence at polling centers and other critical areas in different regions.

In Metro Manila, National Capital Region Police Office director Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin said his command is "100 percent ready" for the elections.

He reminded police officers to remain professional