Dumaguete: The Philippine Coast Guard in Negros Oriental will be on red alert from May 9 to 13 as part of security measures relative to Monday's national and local elections, an official said Thursday. Lt. Marionne Abigail Enopia, Coast Guard-Negros Oriental station commander, announced the deployment of personnel for maritime patrols and as support to police and military forces securing the elections.
According to Philippines News Agency, passenger assistance desks will be set up at various ports, and additional personnel will be assigned to polling places. Enopia emphasized the importance of securing all ports in Negros Oriental to ensure traveler safety and to monitor for potential entry of armed elements and illegal drugs.
The Coast Guard will also oversee the early deployment of automated counting machines (ACM) to Apo Island in Dauin town on Sunday, a day ahead of the elections. This measure is intended to provide teachers serving on election day with ample time to set up the sole voting center on the island, which will open at 5 a.m. on Monday. Enopia added that monitoring of private ports and coastal areas will be intensified during this period to prevent illicit activities while the public is focused on the elections.