Manila, May 7 -- The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Wednesday directed all its regional offices to intensify their alert and preparedness measures less than a week before the midterm elections on May 12.

OCD chief Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said the move aims to ensure a safe, secure, and orderly voting process through heightened vigilance and coordinated efforts.

"The role of the OCD is crucial in making sure the election is peaceful, safe, and resilient against disasters," he added.

Nepomuceno also said preparedness and coordination measures are vital in protecting lives, maintaining peace, and fostering public confidence in the electoral process.

The OCD chief added that every step taken helps ensure the conduct of a smooth,...