BFP on ‘red alert’ for polls; over 5,500 precincts still being inspected

DOUBLE-CHECK. Verifiers of the Commission on Elections inspect printed ballots for the May 12 national and local elections, at the Amoranto Sports Complex in Quezon City on Thursday (Feb. 13, 2025). Comelec had already printed some 27 million official ballots since the reprinting process late January, representing 37 percent of a total 72,107,420. (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said it will be on “red alert” from Friday until May 13, for the 2025 midterm polls.

Fire Sr. Supt. Annalee Carbajal-Atienza, BFP spokesperson, announced this in a press conference at the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Quezon City on Friday.

“We’re on red alert today until May 13. Around 32,000 personnel are on standby in our polling precincts,” Carbajal-Atienza said in Filipino.

Further, according to data shared by Carbajal-Atienza, 5,571 precincts were still being inspected by the BFP for compliance to fire safety standards.

READ: PNP on ‘full alert’ starting May 3 to ensure `safest’ election

“As of this time, the establishments or areas that are non-compliant are still in the process of complying up to election day. Firetruck visibility in these areas are also ongoing with our field personnel,” she added in a mix of English and Filipino.

Abra voting center fire

The BFP’s pronouncement came after a fire hit a voting center in Bangued, Abra early Wednesday morning.

According to Carbajal-Atienza, the damage caused by the fire was estimated to be worth P3.7 million.

READ: Voting center in Abra catches fire

However, the cause of the fire remained to be under investigation, she added. /jpv