NDRRMC raises red, blue alert status for midterm polls

MANILA, Philippines — The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Sunday raised a red alert status over the Cordillera Administrative Region, Western Visayas, and Central Visayas ahead of the midterm elections on Monday.

A red alert status is the highest alert level issued in response to an ongoing or anticipated imminent emergency.

The NDRRMC also issued a blue alert status to ensure smooth coordination from May 9 to 14 over the rest of the country, as well as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center.

A blue alert is raised in preparation for a slow-onset hazard or in anticipation of a potential escalation of a situation, requiring the presence of selected duty personnel.

On Monday, May 12, around 68 million Filipino voters are expected to take part in the midterm elections.

They will elect over 18,000 officials: 12 senators, 254 district representatives, 63 party-list representatives, and 17,942 governors, provincial board members, mayors, and councilors. /gsg