NDRRMC, OCD on red alert for Eleksyon 2022

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) will be on red alert status in connection with the May 9 national and local elections.

The two agencies will be supporting the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in "COVID-proofing" the May 9 polls, which will be the first Philippine election to be conducted under a pandemic.

Under Task Force Against COVID-19's (NTF) Memorandum No. 6s issued on May 2, the OCD, all Regional Task Forces (RTFs), and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (RDRRMC) are mandated to coordinate and mobilize member agencies to adhere to the requirements and needs set by the Comelec through its field offices.

The OCD — together with its Regional Offices, as the head of the Task Group Resource and Management and Logistics — is also tasked to facilitate and coordinate the provision of medical supplies and other logistical requirements for COVID-19 operations.

"Despite these circumstances, we urge our countrymen to keep the 'Bayanihan Spirit' alive to ensure a safe and healthy national and local elections," said Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, OCD's deputy administrator for operations.

Comelec earlier said voters exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms will still be allowed to vote in isolation polling places.

Voters are required to wear face masks while at the polling places. Face shields, on the other hand, are optional. —KBK, GMA News