12,000-strong Mixed Contingents Deployed for Oct. 30 Elections in Central Visayas

CENTRAL VISAYAS: Approximately 12,000 personnel from the police, military, and other law enforcement agencies will be deployed to ensure secure and orderly voting during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections on October 30, a regional election official announced Monday.

According to a new release by the Philippines News Agency, the regional director of the Commission on Elections in Central Visayas (Comelec-7), the security augmentation forces were sent off from the South Road Properties’ World Tent City to various locations, including Negros Oriental, Bohol, Siquijor, and Cebu. Castillano accepted the personnel and resources to be deployed for the election on behalf of the Comelec, the people of Region 7, and the Filipino nation.

In his remarks, PRO-7 Chief Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin emphasized the operational readiness and capabilities of the forces being deployed. A 1,645-strong police contingent will work alongside soldiers, fire, and Coast Guard personnel to ensure the secure and orderly conduct of the elections. Aberin encouraged personnel to execute their tasks with dedication to bolster public trust in government.

The ceremony also served as a platform to showcase resources allocated for the operation. The police offices of the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and the Cebu provincial police received 10 units of 5.56 assault rifles each. The province also received a Mitsubishi Strada vehicle. Negros Oriental police were allocated 53 units of 5.56 rifles, 171 undershirt vests, 57 tactical vests, 57 combat helmets, a Mitsubishi Strada, and a Toyota Hilux. The Siquijor police received seven of the same rifles, and the provincial police in Bohol were equipped with a Mitsubishi Strada and 25 units of assault rifles with basic loads.