CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Army's 4th Infantry Division (ID) on Tuesday added 4,000 troops to augment the peacekeeping forces in the conduct of the Oct. 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) in its area of responsibility (AOR).
In an interview, 4ID chief of public affairs Maj. Francisco Garello Jr. said a portion of the augmentation force would be deployed in hinterland barangays within its AOR in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions.
"Some of 4ID's AORs (areas of responsibility) have yellow classification. These areas had a history of communist rebels' influence," Garello said.
Aside from 4ID personnel, other security forces that would be positioned in strategic areas during the BSKE are members of the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary, the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Bureau of Fire Protection.
Maj. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, 4ID commander, assured the public that 4ID troops are fully prepared and capable of meeting challenges in any unforeseen circumstances that may arise to ensure the safety and security of the candidates and the voting public throughout the election period.
"I once again call upon our troops to stay away from the influence of politics. Stay focused, do your job well, and above all, stay apolitical," he said.
BSKE in Davao Region
Meanwhile, the Election Duty Battalion (EDBn) Provisional was activated by the Army's 10ID in the Davao region on Monday.
In an interview on Tuesday, Maj. Mark Anthony Tito, the 10ID spokesperson, said the EDBn, comprising about 400 personnel from four companies under the 4ID, was set for deployment during ceremonies held at Camp General Manuel T. Yan Sr., Mawab town, Davao de Oro.
“Aside from the infantry brigades and battalions, the EDBn is our ready and available force to be deployed anytime, especially on the election areas of concern,” he said.
The EDBn will have Lt. Col. Orly Brigoli as its commanding officer.
Tito added that based on deployable forces, the 10ID would be fielding about 3,500 of its troops during the conduct of BSKE.
Before the activation ceremony, the Commission on Elections in the Davao Region conducted a two-day seminar on the same day for the EDBn personnel to equip them with the necessary knowledge and understanding for their election duty. (PNA)
