Philippines – Security Tightened for Upcoming National and Local Elections

The government has stepped up security measures nationwide ahead of elections May 13. Pre-election lawlessness has historically been a serious problem in the Philippines. Over the past several months, a number of political candidates and party activists have been the targets of shootings and grenade attacks despite the deployment of military and police reinforcements in known trouble spots and the introduction of a nationwide 150-day gun ban (in effect until June 12). A number of foreign governments have revised their travel warnings for the Philippines to reflect the perceived threat associated with increased political violence. Bomb threats and other security problems may occur. As a whole, the Mindanao region is arguably most dangerous. An upsurge in communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebel activity is possible.Civil unrest could have tangential effects on business interests in urban areas. Thugs employed by losing candidates could also stage attacks to try to prevent winners from taking office.