The Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) has vowed to support the initiatives of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to deter election-related threats and violence in northern Negros ahead of the May 12 national and local elections.
1Lt. Dan Carlo Samoza, 79IB civil-military operations officer, made the assurance following the clash between government troops and New People’s Army remnants in Cadiz City last month.
“The 79IB continues to monitor the rebels’ extortion and permit to campaign activities in their area of operation,” Samoza said in an interview yesterday.
“There is always a possibility that these will happen. They have extended their extortion activities by dividing their ranks to much more smaller groups or factions, which was evident in the last encounter in Cadiz.”
In a separate statement, 79IB commander Lt. Colonel Arnel Calaoagan said their unit, which is based in Sagay City, Negros Occidental, actively participates in various Comelec-initiated activities to re-affirm the troops’ commitment to a safe, credible and peaceful midterm elections.
“Our troops are fully committed to ensuring that the people of Negros can vote freely and without fear. We are working closely with the Comelec, the Philippine National Police, and local government units to safeguard the integrity of this democratic exercise,” Calaoagan said.
He said the Army unit has been active in security deployments, joint law enforcement operations such as checkpoints, simulations and inter-agency coordination, participation in peace covenant signing and walk for peace, and supporting the “Kontra Bigay” campaign.
“These activities highlight the troops’ readiness to respond to any security challenges that may arise during the election period. The 79IB remains steadfast in its mission to prevent election-related violence and external threats that could disrupt the voting process,” Calaoagan said.
The 79IB chief also urged the Negrenses to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities that may compromise the integrity of the elections.
The municipality of Calatrava in northern Negros has been identified by the Comelec as an area of concern under the orange category, or areas with serious armed threats, to guide the poll body and government forces in drafting security plans for the May 12 elections. (PNA)