PNP lowers alert status to normal

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday lowered its alert status to “normal” as the security situation in the country has normalized following last Monday’s elections.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo said the alert level was lowered effective at 8 a.m.

However, full alert status remains over the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao region, Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Coatabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos), and the Caraga region.

The 148,00-strong PNP was placed on alert last May 6 ahead of the midterm elections.

“All police regional directors have the discretion to upgrade their alert level status depending on the situation of their areas of responsibility,” Cerbo said.

A full alert places all units on standby and entails the cancellation of all leaves.

Under a heightened alert, only half of the police personnel are on standby. These alert levels are declared to ensure enough manpower in the event of an emergency.

Soldiers to join ‘Brigada Eskwela’

Meanwhile, Army troops who were deployed for poll duties in Metro Manila will be assigned to public schools to assist the Department of Education (DepEd) in its “Brigada Eskwela” 2013 program, which will kick off tomorrow and last until May 26.

The National School Maintenance Week or Brigada Eskwela aims to involve the community in doing repairs, maintenance and clean-up of schools prior to the opening of classes in June.

Capt. Marco Antonio Magisa, Public Affairs chief of the Army’s Civil-Military Operations, said the soldiers will help in repairing school buildings in the metropolis. – Mike Frialde, Jaime Laude, Pia Lee-Brago