Manila cops, jail execs finalize security plan for polls

With just five days to go before the country's first automated elections, the Philippine National Police and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology are finalizing stepped-up security measures for Election Day-related activities. DzBB's Carlo Mateo reported that the Manila Police District has ordered tighter security at the Manila City Jail where inmates will be allowed to vote on May 10. After going on full alert Wednesday, the MPD also reiterated its order to its cops to guard the ballots and election paraphernalia to be used for the May 10 elections. Similarly, the BJMP said it has adopted tighter security measures for inmates who will vote this coming Monday. Earlier, a report on dzXL radio said the MPD also beefed up security at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Intramuros, Manila. But the MPD instructed its personnel to be non-confrontational in dealing with protesters who are conducting mass actions in front of the Comelec headquarters. On the other hand, MPD head Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay appealed to picket organizers to police their ranks and keep their actions peaceful. Several groups have heightened their activity in Manila to press for clean and transparent elections. — LBG/RSJ, GMANews.TV