As the National and Local Elections approach on May 12, 2025, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) have stepped up efforts to ensure a safe and secure voting process nationwide.
National and Local Elections: Fire Precautions and Readiness
Starting May 9 until May 13, 2025, the BFP raised the red alert status across the country. Fire Senior Superintendent Annalee Carbajal-Atienza shared in a press briefing that since January, the BFP has been actively implementing its contingency plan for the National and Local Elections. This includes continuous inspections of polling precincts and conducting fire drills to prepare for any emergencies.
So far, the BFP inspected 22,946 polling stations, while 5,571 remain under review to meet compliance standards. Meanwhile, around 32,000 BFP personnel are deployed nationwide, ready to respond quickly at polling sites.
“Our teams are also maintaining fire truck visibility in areas still working on compliance, aiming to resolve these issues before election day,” Carbajal-Atienza added.
National and Local Elections: Media Safety Measures Amid Election Season
On the security front, the DILG confirmed that the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) has been active since April 2025. This task force focuses on protecting journalists during the election period.
Undersecretary for Public Affairs and Communications Rolando Puno highlighted ongoing investigations into the killing of former mayor and journalist Juan “Johnny” Dayang, who was shot inside his home in Kalibo, Aklan on April 29.
“This case is being treated as high-profile. The Department of Justice is handling the investigation, and the President is personally involved,” Puno said.
Despite this tragic event, Puno noted that there had been no recorded media killings from 2024 until Dayang’s death. He emphasized that both the PTFoMS and DILG remain vigilant and committed to safeguarding media practitioners.
National and Local Elections: Fire Safety Tips for Polling Sites
The DILG also urged the public to stay alert and follow fire safety protocols, especially at polling places and critical facilities. Undersecretary for Public Safety Serafin Barreto Jr. listed essential precautions:
- Ensure enough fire exits and clear fire signs near polling machines.
- Avoid blocking exits with any objects.
- Do not overload electrical outlets, especially where vote-counting machines are used.
- Keep fire extinguishers and safety equipment accessible and ready.
- Refrain from using open flames like candles or gas stoves inside buildings.
- Report any fire hazards immediately to fire personnel.
These reminders come after a fire damaged a school in Bangued, Abra, designated as a polling precinct for the upcoming elections. The BFP is still investigating the cause, but initial reports estimate damage costs around P3.7 million.
Carbajal-Atienza explained, “Currently, we only have spot reports. The fire occurred on May 7 and affected the principal’s office and classrooms for Grades 1 to 3. We don’t yet know the exact cause.”
As the nation prepares for the National and Local Elections, these coordinated efforts between the BFP, DILG, and other agencies aim to ensure a smooth, safe, and secure voting experience for all Filipinos.