Camp Lapulapu, Cebu City – The Visayas Command tightens its security efforts in the entire Visayas region as the election period for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) 2023 begins.
A total of 239 checkpoints were established in the entire region in collaboration with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to ensure peace and security during the filing of COC, and to support the COMELEC and the PNP on the implementation of the Gun Ban in line with the upcoming BSKE 2023.
With these, a total of 1,297 AFP personnel comprised of four (4) Officers, 630 Enlisted Personnel, and 663 CAFGU Active Auxiliary were deployed to man the said checkpoints. These are apart from the 110 Officers designated as JSCC Liaison Officers who will facilitate coordination with the COMELEC, the PNP, and the Phil. Coast Guard (PCG) to ensure coordinated and synchronized security and response efforts throughout the election period.
Lieutenant General Benedict M Arevalo PA, the Commander of VISCOM emphasized that their early deployment is to ensure the safety and security of the people during the election period, “This deployment is a testament of our strong commitment to ensure the safety and security of both the candidates and the voters throughout the election period. This is also to encourage our people to exercise their right and cast their votes freely, without intimidation and fear from those who are planning to cause terror, especially the CPP-NPA.”
In line with their heightened security efforts, VISCOM also sustains its intensified internal security operation (ISO). It was disclosed that from August 01 – 31, a total of ten (10) government-initiated armed encounters transpired throughout the Visayas region.
These encounters led to the neutralization of 30 NPA terrorists; three (3) of whom died during encounters, while 27 returned to the folds of the law. Likewise, 28 firearms and nine (9) anti-personnel mines were also seized by the government troops from the terrorist group for the period.
“We have made our preparations well. Our intensified campaign against the CPP-NPA commenced as early as the start of this year. This is to prevent them from sowing terror and fear to our people to foster their extortion activity and influence the outcome of the election,” Lt Gen Arevalo added.
Lt Gen Arevalo concluded as he reaffirms their commitment and urged the people to cast their votes wisely, “Your reliable Armed Forces in the Visayas will remain committed to our mandate of ensuring the peaceful conduct of the upcoming Brgy and SK Elections. As such, we urge our people to cast their vote wisely and exercise their right for the betterment of their future. Do not support those who sow violence and terror, particularly those who are affiliated to the CPP-NPA. Support those who advocate peace, unity and development.”
