BFP on red alert for midterms, deploys 32K personnel

Starting Friday, May 9, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is on 'red alert' until Tuesday, May 13 to ensure quick response during the midterm elections.

Around 32,000 BFP personnel are stationed at polling precincts across the country with no one on leave, according to a press conference by BFP spokesperson Annalee Carbajal-Atienza. Inspections for fire safety compliance in 5,571 precincts continue.

The DILG and PNP have been intensifying election security measures, including activating the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) since April to protect media personnel amid election season.

Undersecretary Rolando Puno shared that there were no recorded cases of media killings since 2024 until ex-mayor and veteran journalist Juan 'Johnny' Dayang's death in Kalibo, Aklan on April 29.

The DILG also reminded the public to ensure fire safety by adhering to specific precautions such as ensuring proper fire exits, avoiding overloading electrical outlets, and reporting any fire hazards immediately.