by Miriam G.Desacada
Tacloban City, Leyte — A total of 10,000 troops from the military, the police, and the coast guard are set to be deployed, in coordination with Comelec-Region 8, to various parts of Eastern Visayas to ensure peaceful, and orderly 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE) in the region.
This move is part of the security deployment plans to avert and address potential risks and threats that would distort the conduct of a peaceful NLE in the region, as discussed during the second Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC) conference hosted by the 8th Infantry Division (8ID) on January 15.
The 8ID bared that it will deploy its troops across three brigade sub-units stationed in Northern Samar, Samar, and Leyte provinces. These units will focus on securing 26 municipalities identified as election areas of concern.
According to data from the police, 12 municipalities are classified as areas of concern, another 13 as areas of immediate concern, and one as a municipality under grave concern.
To enhance security measures, AFP-PNP-PCG checkpoints have been established in key locations: 17 stations in Northern Samar, 20 in Eastern Samar, 23 in Samar, 12 in Leyte, six in Southern Leyte, and one in Biliran province. These checkpoints will enforce the Comelec gun ban and ensure a peaceful environment throughout the election period.
Furthermore, the Joint Task Force (JTF) Storm, headed by 8ID commander, is set to conduct enhanced Military and Law Enforcement Operations, in coordination with RJSCC-8, to thwart potential threats and deter violence that will spoil the conduct of the elections.
Major General Ariel Orio, 8ID commander, said the JTF Storm and its partner agencies are committed to secure the NLEs in Eastern Visayas.
“The entire JTF Storm signifies our unwavering dedication to ensure a secure and peaceful election. Our preparations include maintaining the non-partisan role of military forces and fostering public confidence in their ability to protect our fellow Filipinos. I urge the people of Eastern Visayas to join us in achieving this goal,” Orio declared.
“The collaborative efforts of security forces, in partnership with local communities, are expected to create an environment conducive to a free and fair electoral process in the region,” he added. —-Miriam G. Desacada