Manila, March 27 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) has placed all its units under heightened security alert status to secure the start of the election campaign for local candidates on Friday.

In a virtual press conference, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil has directed all police regional offices to monitor their areas of responsibility to prevent criminal activities and respond to untoward incidents.

"Ang utos ng ating chief PNP na siguraduhin na masustain at mamaintain natin yung mga police visibility doon sa mga areas of engagement including yung mga area security na ilalagay natin doon sa mga campaign sorties ng ating mga local na kandidato pati na rin yung ating mga national ...