SECURITY FORCES. More than 3,500 soldiers from different units of the Philippine Army's 9th Infantry Division (9ID) in Bicol have been deployed to ensure peaceful Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) in the region on Oct. 30, 2023. Maj. Frank Roldan, 9ID Public Affairs Office chief, said on Thursday (Oct. 26, 2023) that despite the augmentation of forces, anti-insurgency operations continue in the region. (PNA photo courtesy of 9ID)
LEGAZPI CITY – More than 3,500 soldiers from different units of the 9th Infantry Division (9ID) have been deployed around the Bicol region to ensure the security of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on Oct. 30.
In an interview on Thursday, Maj. Frank Roldan, 9ID-Public Affairs Office chief, said the deployment was meant to uphold their commitment to remain neutral and non-partisan in the balloting process.
"We already deployed 2,979 personnel from the 902nd and the 903rd Infantry Brigades to intensify security efforts in polling precincts, especially villages tagged as areas of concern. This would allow the people of Bicol to exercise their right to vote without fear or any kind of restriction," Roldan said.
The 9ID also deployed 197 liaison officers to regional and municipal election monitoring centers and a contingent of 408 support personnel, who are also soldiers, to ensure seamless logistical operations.
Also sent were 72 quick response teams (QRTs) equipped with 80 mobility assets that will be strategically positioned in different areas to ensure swift responses to situations and improve security and efficiency.
"The 9ID under the leadership of Maj. Gen. Adonis Bajao perceives the role in maintaining peace and security for the BSKE. Our commitment is a testament to our dedication to the people and the democratic process," Roldan said.
He added that despite the deployment for the BSKE, they continue anti-insurgency operations in the region.
Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office (PRO)-5 (Bicol) will send additional police personnel to Masbate after a fatal shooting incident that killed a poll bet's supporter.
In a follow-up interview on Thursday, Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib, PRO5 spokesperson, said an ongoing conference is being conducted in the province to determine the exact number of personnel to be deployed.
"We cannot give as to the exact number of personnel to be deployed. Starting Saturday (Oct. 28), more police personnel will be deployed on the streets, even those in the offices they will also be deployed outside," Calubaquib said.
She said PRO5 is now digging deeper into the shooting to death of Abraham Dolores, a supporter of BSKE candidate Nehemias Sayam and his brother Bunso Sayam in Barangay Tan-Awan, Placer town early this week.
"The victims were conducting a campaign event on Monday (Oct. 23, 2023) when they were suddenly attacked by unidentified assailants. Dolores died due to the severe injuries sustained during the incident, while the Sayam siblings are currently in the process of recuperating from their wounds," Calubaquib said.
She said initial findings from the ongoing investigation revealed that the perpetrators are members of a communist terrorist group led by Raymond Dosdos alias "Ka RM," who remains at large.
"PRO5 reminds the public, especially political candidates, to promptly report any threats or concerns to their nearest police stations for them to be provided with necessary security and protection in the interest of maintaining not only their safety but the entire community. We also urge the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with the authorities to ensure the safety and security of our communities during these crucial times," Calubaquib said. (PNA)
