Last-ditch campaigning mars the hours before polls in Pasay City

Dogged supporters of candidates continued to post campaign materials hours before polling centers were to open for the country's first automated polls Monday. In Pasay City, radio dzBB reported early Monday new posters were seen in several public areas, including the area behind the city's public market. The last-minute campaigning came marred reassurances by the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines they are ready to secure the elections. In southern Metro Manila, police escorted the delivery of ballots and other election paraphernalia to Pasay City Hall before 4 a.m. Police and military units in Metro Manila also intensified checkpoint operations to thwart troublemakers. "Handang handa ang tao natin. Kahapon pa naka-deploy ang karamihan, ngayon inaasahan natin sasamahan nila at i-secure ang BEI para ikuha ang balota (Our people are ready. They have been deployed since Sunday. We will escort and secure the Boards of Election Inspectors to get the ballots)," Task Force Honest Orderly and Peaceful Elections spokesman Col. Ricardo Nepomuceno said on dzBB radio. Nepomuceno reminded soldiers not to get within 50 meters of the polling centers, unless specifically asked by the Commission on Elections or deputized teachers in writing. "Ito ang ating pinaghandaan. Sinisiguro natin gagawin ng sundalo at pulis ang nararapat para sa eleksyon na ito (We have been preparing for this. We will make sure police and military personnel do what it takes to ensure peaceful elections)," he said. — LBG, GMANews.TV