Army deploys over 11,000 troops for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in Western and Central Visayas
Iloilo City — The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (ID) has dispatched a total of 11,148 troops to ensure the safety and security of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) in Western and Central Visayas.
The 3rd ID commander, Major General Marion Sison, highlighted the importance of their duty in safeguarding the welfare of the people and maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
With Western Visayas as the main focus, the majority of the deployment consists of 6,741 troops. Additionally, 4,407 soldiers have been assigned to Central Visayas, particularly in areas with a notable presence of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA).
These troops were sourced from various units, including Camp Peralta, the 3rd ID headquarters, the 301st Infantry Brigade (IB), 302nd IB, 303rd IB, Philippine Air Force, and the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Active Auxiliary.
For rapid response operations, the 3rd ID also mobilized a Quick Reaction Force (QRF), consisting of 66 military officers, 721 enlisted personnel, and 155 CAFGU Active Auxiliary members.
To further bolster their presence, 60 mobility assets were strategically positioned in provinces across Western and Central Visayas.
While most of the units are concentrated in Western Visayas, the 3rd ID has also deployed soldiers to several provinces in Central Visayas.
The concerted efforts of the Army’s 3rd ID aim to ensure a safe and secure environment for voters and to uphold the democratic rights of the Filipino people during the upcoming BSKE.
