THE Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) were placed under red alert status for the conduct of support operations during the 2022 national and local elections on May 9.
The two agencies were ordered by the National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 (coronavirus disease) to coordinate and mobilize their member agencies, especially for the adherence to the requirements and needs set by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to protect the voters from Covid-19.
The OCD, as the head of the Task Group Resource and Management and Logistics, is also tasked to facilitate and coordinate the provision of medical supplies and other logistical requirements for Covid-19 operations as may be needed for the upcoming election.
OCD deputy administrator for operations Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV called for the public’s vigilance to prevent the spread of Covid-19 during the national event, which will draw big crowds in different parts of the country.
The upcoming election will be a historic event for the Philippines as the Covid-19 pandemic threat still lurks in the background.
Earlier, commissioner George Garcia said everyone, including those manifesting symptoms or have tested positive for coronavirus, will be allowed to cast their votes.
He said isolation polling precincts manned with election officers geared with personal protective equipment were prepared to accommodate these individuals while protecting the others.
Around 65.8 million individuals are expected to cast their vote on Monday, May 9, 2022. (SunStar Philippines)