10,000 security forces to guard EV’s polls

To ensure peaceful balloting

TACLOBAN CITY – Over 10,000 personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will be deployed across Eastern Visayas to ensure a peaceful election in the region.

This massive deployment is being carried out in coordination with the regional Commission on Elections Regional (Comelec) office as result of the meeting of the Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC) conference on January 15.

The 8th Infantry Division said it is ready to secure the region, highlighting the deployment of its personnel across three brigade sub-units stationed in Northern Samar, Samar, and Leyte provinces.

These units will focus on securing 26 municipalities identified as election areas of concern.
According to data of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the region, 12 municipalities are classified as areas of concern, another 13 as areas of immediate concern, and one as a municipality under grave concern, the town of Santa Margarita in Samar province.

For his part, B/Gen. Jay Cumigad, police regional director, emphasized the critical role of checkpoints in ensuring a secure electoral process.

“The establishment of Comelec checkpoints is a significant step in preventing illegal activities that could disrupt the elections. We are committed to maintaining vigilance and ensuring that these security measures are effectively implemented to guarantee a peaceful and orderly election,” he said.

To enhance security measures, AFP-PNP-PCG checkpoints have been established in key locations: 17 stations in Northern Samar, 20 in Eastern Samar, 23 in Samar, 12 in Leyte, six in Southern Leyte, and one in Biliran province.

These checkpoints will enforce the Comelec gun ban and ensure a peaceful environment throughout the election period.

Moreover, the Joint Task Force (JTF) Storm will conduct enhanced Military and Law Enforcement Operations (JEMLEO) in coordination with RJSCC-8 to thwart potential threats and deter violence.

Major General Ariel Orio, the commander of the 8th ID, reaffirmed their commitment and its partner agencies to secure the upcoming elections in Eastern Visayas.

“The entire (8th ID) signifies our unwavering dedication to ensure a secure and peaceful election. Our preparations include maintaining the non-partisan role of military forces and fostering public confidence in their ability to protect our fellow Filipinos. I urge the people of Eastern Visayas to join us in achieving this goal,” he said in a statement.

“The collaborative efforts of security forces, in partnership with local communities, are expected to create an environment conducive to a free and fair electoral process in the region,” Orio added.

LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA