QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — The Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MMDRRMC) announced Wednesday it will raise its alert status to blue ahead of the Philippines’ midterm elections, establishing heightened emergency preparedness across the capital region.
The blue alert status will begin at 8 a.m. on May 11 and continue until 8 a.m. on May 14, according to a memorandum issued by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairperson Romando S. Artes, who also chairs the MMDRMC.
The blue alert designation typically indicates that 50% of disaster response personnel must be ready for deployment, positioning the capital region to respond quickly to any emergencies during the electoral process.
The May 12 midterm elections will see Filipino voters select new leaders at both national and local levels.
While most Metro Manila residents will vote within the region, officials anticipate significant movement as voters registered in the provinces travel to cast their ballots.
“In order to ensure the safety of the voters and the general public that will be exercising their right to suffrage,” the council is implementing the precautionary measure, the memorandum said.
Member agencies, for their part, must begin submitting preparedness and response action reports to the MMDRRMC Secretariat starting May 8.
During the alert period, agencies will provide updates twice daily at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., or as needed.
The disaster agency will also activate a virtual Emergency Operations Center via video teleconference to facilitate coordination and information sharing among response agencies throughout the election period.
It can be recalled that the Philippines has a history of election-related violence and disruptions, particularly in politically contested areas, making emergency preparedness a standard component of electoral security planning. (GLG/PIA-NCR)
