The Philippine National Police (PNP) went on heightened alert for its security preparations at the start of the campaign period for local positions Friday.

Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, PNP spokesperson, said at least 176,250 or 75 percent of the 235,000-strong police force are available for deployment.

The remaining 58,750 police personnel will be on call.

''We will not allow any personnel to go on leave unless it is emergency in nature,'' she said.

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil ordered commanders to sustain visibility, particularly in providing area security for candidates during their campaign sorties.

Marbil said police will not tolerate any attempt from people planning to create violence and sow intimidation. DMS