The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced that it will elevate its status to "full alert" as part of security preparations for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on Oct. 30.

PNP Chief Police Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said the full deployment of 187,600 police personnel for election duties will also begin along with the hoisting of full alert status beginning Saturday, Oct. 28.

"We want to assure our citizens that the PNP is fully in command of the situation and [it is] all systems go for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections," Acorda said on Friday, Oct. 27.

"Our objective is to provide a safe and secure environment for all voters, candidates, and members of the Electoral Board," he added.

In areas of concern, particularly those under the control of Commission on Elections (Comelec), the PNP allocated additional human and logistical resources "to ensure a seamless election process." 

Data from the PNP showed that there are 361 barangays placed under the "red" category; 1,252 under "orange"; 1,210 under "yellow"; and 39,178 under "green".

The red category refers to the highest alert level during the BSKE and areas placed under it recorded serious or grave security threats and a history of election-related incidents (ERIs).

Areas placed under the orange category has serious threats from communist and other local armed groups; while areas under the yellow category have recorded ERIs during the last two elections.

An area is placed under the green category if it has no existing security concerns. 

Acorda said checkpoint operations were intensified while border controls were strengthened nationwide "to minimize and intercept any instruments of violence." 

The PNP also prioritized the utilization of its early warning, alert, and response system which enables units to respond swiftly to any ERIs.

Since the start of the election period on Aug. 28 up to Oct. 27, the PNP already recorded 26 validated ERIs and 24 suspected ERIs. There were 85 other violent incidents monitored by the PNP but these were not related to the polls.

"Our message to the public is clear: election day will remain under our control, and we will not tolerate any disruptions or threats to the peaceful exercise of your right to vote. We urge the public to cooperate and report any irregularities or security concerns," Acorda said.