The 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army has deployed close to 4,000 soldiers across three Visayas regions to secure the national and local elections on Monday, May 12.
The 3ID through the Joint Task Force Spear deployed 3,922 troops and 91 mobility assets across the Western Visayas, Central Visayas, and Negros Island Region, it said on Thursday, May 8.
In Western Visayas, the Joint Task Force Spear through the 301st Infantry Brigade sent 1,126 troops and 48 mobility assets to various locations, beginning with send-off ceremonies on Tuesday.
Similar ceremonies were held by the 303rd Infantry Brigade based in Camp Gerona, Murcia, Negros Occidental, where 1,035 personnel were deployed.
At Camp Leon Kilat, Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, 1,487 troops and 42 mobility assets were also deployed for the NIR.
Before deployment the troops underwent elections briefings, which emphasized the need for non-partisanship, maintaining order and security, and adherence to election laws and regulations, the 3ID said.
The briefing also covered deployment guidelines and coordination protocols with the Commission on Elections and other government agencies.
Prior to the deployment, the troops went through comprehensive training and coordination exercises, including contingency planning, crowd control, and legal orientation, preparing them for deployment to strategic locations throughout the Visayas regions, the 3ID said.
The soldiers will secure voters, Board of Election Inspectors, and COMELEC personnel, as well as protect voting places, Maj. Gen, Michael G Samson, JTF Spear commander said.
The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office has also deployed about 1,700 policemen to secure the elections in the province.*