BUTUAN CITY – The Army 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division (ID) said the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days and the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in Region 10 (Northern Mindanao) and Region 13 (Caraga) were generally peaceful.
SOLDIERS from the 4th Infantry Division conduct a mobile checkpoint on the national highway in Caraga. (4th ID-PAO photo via Mike U. Crismundo)
Major Francisco P. Garello Jr., 4th ID Public Affairs Office (PAO), said no untoward incidents were reported by ground commanders and other operational control unit commanders in the two regions during the two occasions.
Major Gen. Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, commanding general of the 4th ID, said the elections and Undas were generally peaceful, especially in areas where 4th ID troops were deployed.
Four election-related violations and incidents were recorded in Bukidnon and in Cagayan de Oro City but these did not affect and hamper the peaceful conduct of the BSKE, Cuerpo said.
On October 26, the 4th ID deployed more than 4,000 troops to ensure an honest, orderly, peaceful, and credible elections.
Cuerpo lauded the dedication of 4th ID troopers led by Col. Ted Dumusmog, commander of Task Force SAFE, in their tasks and for remaining non-partisan all throughout the election period.
“The troops deployed successfully prevented violence in critical areas or classified as areas with immediate concern,” Cuerpo said.
Cuerpo thanked all stakeholders, including the candidates, and voting public and partner agencies involved in the electoral process who made the elections generally peaceful in its areas of responsibility.
"The successful conduct of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in our area of responsibility is the result of our collective commitment with the communities,” he said.
“The synergy of efforts and the sacrifices that we all put in frustrate peace spoilers and made them rethink in doing criminal activities, as we are fully ready and capable to respond accordingly,” Cuerpo added. “We vow to ensure the welfare and safety of the people within our AOR, continue to perform our mandate, sustain our gains against the CTG to maintain peace and security in Region 13 and 10."