The Philippine Coast Guard in Negros Oriental will be on red alert from May 9 to 13 as part of security measures relative to Monday’s national and local elections, an official said Thursday.

Lt. Marionne Abigail Enopia, Coast Guard-Negros Oriental station commander, told the Philippine News Agency that they are deploying their personnel not just for maritime patrol, but also as augmentation to police and military troops securing the elections.

Passenger assistance desks will be established at the different ports while other personnel will be assigned to polling places, she said.

“We are also securing all the ports in Negros Oriental to ensure the safety of travelers and to monitor possible entry of armed elements and illegal drugs,” Enopia said.

The Coast Guard will also be in charge of the early deployment of the automated counting machines (ACM) to Apo Island in Dauin town on Sunday, May 11, a day before the elections.

This is to give ample time for the teachers serving on election day to set up the sole voting center on the island before it opens at 5:00 a.m. on Monday, May 12.

Enopia said they will also monitor private ports and the coastal areas these days to thwart possible illicit activities while people are busy with the elections. (PNA)