OCD directs blue alert in Ilocos Region for Eleksyon 2025

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has directed regional offices to intensify alert and preparedness measures for the upcoming Eleksyon 2025 elections on May 12, specifically raising a blue alert status across the Ilocos Region from May 9 to 14.

Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized the OCD's role in ensuring a peaceful, safe, and disaster-resilient election process through heightened vigilance and coordinated efforts.

OCD-Ilocos Region Director Laurence Mina announced that emergency operation centers (EOCs) will be activated from the regional office down to the local level to ensure public safety and smooth conduct of polls during the election period.

Officers from various agencies, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, and Philippine National Police, will remain on duty at EOCs to respond swiftly to incidents and requests from regional disaster councils and partner agencies.

The Philippine Red Cross and Department of Health will set up medical stations near polling centers for quick response during emergencies.

All concerned offices are required to intensify monitoring of election-related incidents and maintain close coordination with law enforcement partners to respond quickly to emerging issues.