CEBU CITY – All efforts paid off as the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in the Visayas were generally peaceful, the commander of the Armed Forces-Visayas Command (Viscom) said.

“All the efforts, sacrifices, and time spent in planning and preparations have paid off. As far as the voting for the barangay and SK elections in the Visayas is concerned, it was very peaceful,” said Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo.

AREVALO (Viscom FB)

Arevalo attributed the peaceful conduct of the elections to the timely and synchronized deployment of security forces, especially in placed that were declared election watchlist areas.

Viscom started its deployment on October 18 following the arrival of four platoons or over 120 Armed Forces personnel from Eastern Visayas in Negros Oriental.

The Philippine National Police, through the Area Police Command (APC)-Visayas, and the Philippine Coast Guard also deployed their own personnel.

Arevalo also cited the collaborative efforts of the different BSKE partner-agencies, particularly the Commission on Elections, the Department of Education, the police, and the Coast Guard.

Apart from the deployment of security forces, the focused military operations in the outskirt communities in the Visayas have been intensified since March of this year.

This resulted to several government-initiated armed encounters against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army that caused heavy losses on the part of the rebels, preventing them from perpetrating atrocity that may hamper or disrupt the electoral process, Arevalo said.

“We will remain steadfast to our commitment of ensuring the safety and security of our people. We will never waver in our efforts and will remain motivated in performing our mandate for our country and our people,” Arevalo said.