Thousands of security forces on high alert ahead of Philippine polls on Monday (May 9)

Police officers check documents of motorists at a check point along a road in Manila City, on Sunday, May 8, 2022, a day before the May 9 presidential election. - AFP

MANILA, May 8, 2022 (AFP): More than 60,000 security forces in the Philippines were on alert Sunday to safeguard ballots and polling stations on the eve of the presidential election, after police reported four people killed in an outbreak of violence.

Elections are a traditionally volatile time in a country with lax gun laws and a violent political culture, but the national police said this season has been comparatively peaceful.