FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – The Army 7th Infantry Division deployed troops from the 72nd Division Reconnaissance Company to the Army 6th Infantry Division based in Mindanao to augment government forces securing the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on October 30 in Cotabato.
Major Gen. Andrew D. Costelo, 7th ID chief, in his message in the end-off ceremony at the headquarters of the Army 702nd Infantry Brigade in Camp Tito Abat, Manaoag, Pangasinan on Wednesday, October 18, reminded them to be non-partisan and focus only on their mandate to support the law enforcement operations of the Philippine National Police and the Commission on Elections for a free, honest, orderly, peaceful, and credible elections.
“We are here to ensure your readiness in performing your election duties. Your readiness is paramount in ensuring the community's security when they exercise their right to suffrage. We fully support the local PNP and Comelec in implementing the rules and regulations of the elections,” Costelo said.
As part of the Joint Task Force Kaugnay’s law enforcement support operations, the 7th ID has deployed a total 1,374 troops to Tarlac, Bataan, Zambales, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bulacan, Pangasinan, and Aurora to assist the PNP and Comelec in the exercise of their duties before, during, and after the local elections.
They were also deployed to deter different threat groups and private armed groups from conducting extortion activities or sowing violence.
“We already provided security, available land assets, communication system, and other equipment to Comelec in the implementation of election laws, rules, and regulations to ensure safe, accurate, free, and fair conduct of the elections,” Costelo added.
The 7th ID has established strong coordination with different law enforcement agencies for a speedy and efficient exchange of information necessary for the success of their joint operations.
“As the JTF Kaugnay xommander, I am happy to inform everyone that as of this date, we haven't yet received any reports of CTG members collecting permit to campaign fees with the local candidates in our area of responsibility,” he said.