Manila, May 9 -- The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is under "red alert" starting Friday to ensure swift response to emergencies during the May 12 midterm elections.

"Naka-red alert na tayo (We are on red alert) today until May 13. Around 32,000 personnel are on standby in our polling precincts. Red alert means no personnel is on leave," BFP spokesperson, Fire Senior Supt. Annalee Carbajal-Atienza, told reporters in a press conference held at the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Quezon City,

Carbajal-Atienza said that 5,571 precincts are still being inspected by the BFP for compliance with fire safety standards.

In a related development, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil visit...