The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, through its line units, has augmented the Philippine National Police (PNP) in implementing the Commission on Elections (Comelec) checkpoints in Western and Central Visayas as the election period and the gun ban started on Sunday, January 9.

In Panay, the 3ID’s 301st Infantry Brigade and line battalions provided augmentation force to various PNP stations in conducting election checkpoints.

Similar assistance was given by the 303rd Infantry Brigade in Negros Occidental and 302nd Infantry Brigade to PNP and Comelec in some parts of Central Visayas, respectively.

Visual check of weapons and other anti-criminality and police security operations against loose firearms, deadly weapons, unauthorized security personnel, Private Armed Groups (PAGs), criminal elements, and wanted persons were among the activities conducted by the checkpoints manning team.

“We are committed to ensure free, honest, clean, orderly, and credible conduct of May 2022 National and Local Elections as one of the Comelec’s deputized agencies. As we perform our election-related duty, we would also like to encourage our people to cooperate with us by following election guidelines,” said 3ID commander Major Gen. Benedict Arevalo.

He also encouraged everyone to participate in the coming elections and exercise their right to suffrage by voting wisely./WDJ