The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said they are one with the nation in promoting peaceful and safe elections this coming Monday, 12 May.
PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan said all Coast Guard Districts, Stations and Sub-Stations are fully prepared to back up the Commission on Elections in ensuring a smooth conduct of the polls.
Starting on 9 May, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) deployed security personnel and K9 units to enhance security monitoring of election materials and schools that will serve as polling centers for the upcoming elections.
Under the directive of Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, the PCG is also monitoring the safety and security of residents in remote areas such as ‘island communities’ to maintain a peaceful and safe election.
Gavan said PCG floating assets, such as rubber boats, aluminum boats and small watercraft, are on standby to patrol Manila Bay, Pasig River and other waterways for the safety of voters and election personnel.
PCG trucks and other vehicles are also on standby to assist with the safe transport of election materials and provide additional manpower support as needed, in coordination with the Comelec and local government units.
Under the directive of Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, the PCG is also monitoring the safety and security of residents in remote areas such as “island communities” to maintain a peaceful and safe election.
In partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, the PCG is closely coordinating to ensure that any incident that may cause harm to the public is circumvented.
This includes intensifying inspections of ports and vessels.
Coast Guard deployable response groups are also on standby to lead search and rescue operations, should any accidents occur on the coast, a few days before the elections.
Meanwhile, Admiral Gavan once again reminded PCG personnel to avoid engaging in any political activities or openly expressing support for candidates on their social media accounts, emphasizing that their sworn duty as public servants is to remain impartial.
In an interview on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon on Friday, Comelec spokesperson director John Rex Laudiangco confirmed that all automated counting machines have been delivered nationwide.
“We have completed all deliveries. So, we can say that we are ready. It’s now just a matter of bringing the machines to the schools,” Laudiangco said. “The machines are under the care of our teachers, and on the morning of 12 May, they will focus solely on handling the ballots.”