The commander of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army on Tuesday, October 31, vowed to redirect their focus to counterinsurgency operations after the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, 3ID commander, said that as their mission in the elections will now end, they will move forward to dismantle the remaining guerilla fronts.
“This ensures that we do not allow the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) to create a breathing space and recover”, he said.
He also commended the Army’s troops for their commitment and dedication to the successful conduct of the BSKE.
“We were able to smoothly execute what we had planned and prepared for, ensuring the peaceful exercise of people’s right to suffrage,” he added.
The Army is now focused on the retrieval of election paraphernalia and consolidation and reorganization of its troops who were committed to performing election duties, a 3ID statement said.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, 79th Infantry Battalion commander, also thanked the Army troops, police, and citizens who participated in the election.
“Our fruitful partnership and your strong commitment to maintaining the integrity of our democratic process is a testament to our united efforts of sustaining what we have achieved for the peace and progress of Negros Island,” he said.*