No terror threat during polls – NCRPO

MANILA, Philippines — Police have not monitored any terrorist threat to disrupt today’s midterm elections in Metro Manila, an official said.

Citing past elections, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said communist rebels have launched attacks in Metro Manila during elections.

“Our intelligence officers have not monitored any threat in the metropolis,” Eleazar said.

At least 16,000 policemen were tasked to secure 8,298 polling precincts in Metro Manila.

The 29,000-strong NCRPO has been placed on full alert to protect the public and respond to any emergencies, according to Eleazar.

He is confident that the elections will be peaceful and orderly as the police have confiscated over 1,500 unlicensed firearms since the start of the gun ban on Jan. 13. The election period ends on June 13.

The Northern Police District under Brig. Gen. Rolando Anduyan confiscated some 500 loose firearms.

The Eastern Police District headed by Brig. Gen. Cristopher Tambungan recovered 200 unlicensed guns.

“With the big number of loose firearms accounted for, we are confident that the elections will be trouble-free,” Eleazar said.

He said they would deploy additional troops to schools before the voting starts at 6 a.m. today.