19IB dispatches troops to secure Biliran polls

By 19th Infantry Battalion, 8ID PA
May 2, 2013

KANANGA, Leyte – The 19th Infantry (Commando) Battalion deployed at least one hundred (100) soldiers to boost the number of government forces who shall secure the upcoming local and national election in the province of Biliran.

This after the send-off ceremony held at Philippine Ports Authority, Naval, Biliran around 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 2, 2013.

Police and soldiers along with one (1) simba fighting vehicle (SFV) and five (5) KIA M450 light trucks paraded the streets of Naval, the capital town of Biliran. The activity kicked off the COMELEC and election deputies’ task to maintain a Secure and Fare Elections (SAFE) 2013.

Lt. Col. Joel Alejandro Nacnac, commanding officer of 19th IB said the move to dispatch soldiers in the province was earlier agreed by the COMELEC and election deputies as a pro-active measure against any unforeseen event.

“It may look awkward to the public, considering that the province of Biliran had been declared as insurgency-free on 2006. But the beefing up of the current number of security forces in the area is only to ensure unhampered conduct of election and that the public is never deprived of their right to suffrage”, Lt. Col. Nacnac said.

As election deputies, the military and police will be conducting checkpoints especially in areas which are considered as election hot spots. Troops will also be detailed to secure polling places at least a day before election and will withdraw thereon until all PCOS machines are turned over to the COMELEC.

Col. Rafael C. Valencia, Commander of the Ormoc City based 802nd Infantry Brigade has standing order to all soldiers who will be assigned to secure polling places and even those who are conducting checkpoints to be non-partisans.