The 303rd Infantry Brigade along with its line battalions are on alert stance and ready 24/7 to ensure credible, safe, accurate, and fair elections (S.A.F.E.) in Negros, Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd IB commander, said Sunday night, May 8.
The 303rd IB and its line battalions have prepared Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) that are deployed in key areas in Negros Occidental, an Army press release said.
They are deployed in areas that were classified and listed by the COMELEC as areas of concern.
The AFP, through 3rd Infantry Division, provided a Black Hawk helicopter to the 303rd Infantry Brigade and its line battalions, which conducted aerial reconnaissance, especially of areas with known presence of Communist New People Army terrorist, the press release said.
Intensified COMELEC checkpoints were also conducted in strategic areas in Negros Occidental to enforce the gun ban and ensure the safety of Negrosanons to exercise their right to vote, it said.
The Joint Provincial Security Coordinating Committee composed of the COMELEC Negros Occidental, 303rd Infantry Brigade and Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office activated the Provincial Election Monitoring Action Center at the NOCPPO in Bacolod City, to include the City and Municipal Election Monitoring Action Center.
“We are encouraging Negrosanons to go out and exercise their right to vote. We ensure the voting public that security measures are already in place for the smooth conduct of the elections, “Pasaporte said.*