AFP red alert for polls still on; PNP shifts to All Saints’ Day

As the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections draw to a close, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has announced it is shifting its focus to the coming All Saints’ Day, while the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it will maintain its red alert status in the post election period. As elections were postponed in several areas, due to delays in the delivery of poll materials or the damage caused by super typhoon Juan, the AFP is prepared to ensure the peaceful conduct of elections in barangays where polls have yet to be conducted, according to a press release by the AFP. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is also using AFP facilities for the continued transport of election paraphernalia and Comelec personnel throughout the country. Despite over 70 reported incidences of election-related violence in the October 25 polls, the AFP said the conduct of the elections was “generally peaceful." The number of recorded instances of election-related violence is lower this time around, compared to the 2007 barangay and SK elections, stated the AFP. For now, military personnel will focus on “address[ing] existing threats and prevent[ing] them from disrupting the conduct of peaceful electoral exercise," noted the AFP press release. Meanwhile, the PNP is fine-tuning security plans for All Saints’ Day, which falls on a Monday this year, said PNP Director General Raul Bacalzo. Preparations include securing cemeteries and other public places, as well as bus terminals and ship ports, according to Bacalzo. All Souls' Day, November 2, is the Catholic feast day for remembering the dead. However, millions of Filipinos usually start flocking to cemeteries on All Saints’ Day, November 1, or even some days before, to pay respects to their dearly departed. In the aftermath of the elections, the PNP may allow field commanders to lower alert levels in their respective turfs later this week, said PNP deputy for operations director Benjamin Belarmino. This would give its personnel a rest before the PNP goes on full alert again for November 1, reported radio dzBB’s Benjie Liwanag Jr. The police have been on full alert since last weekend for the October 25 elections, while PNP personnel in some parts of the country have been on full alert since the beginning of October, as a precaution for the arrival of super typhoon “Juan." Nov.1 has been declared a holiday by Malacañang, but All Souls’ Day on Nov.2 remains a regular working day.—With Larissa Mae Suarez/JV, GMANews.TV