CATBALOGAN, Philippines — Over 10,000 personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will be deployed across Eastern Visayas to ensure a secure, accurate, free, and fair 2025 National and Local Elections in coordination with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Regional Office VIII.
During the second Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC) conference held by the 8th Infantry Division (8ID) on January 15, 2025, key security measures were discussed, including security deployment plans, threat assessments, and strategies to ensure peaceful and orderly elections.
The 8ID underscored its preparedness, detailing the deployment of Stormtrooper personnel across three brigade sub-units in Northern Samar, Samar, and Leyte provinces. These units will focus on securing 26 municipalities identified as election areas of concern. According to PNP data, 12 municipalities are classified as areas of concern, 13 as areas of immediate concern, and one as a municipality under grave concern.
To strengthen security, AFP-PNP-PCG checkpoints have been established in key locations: 17 stations in Northern Samar, 20 in Eastern Samar, 23 in Samar, 12 in Leyte, six in Southern Leyte, and one in Biliran province. These checkpoints will enforce the COMELEC gun ban and maintain a peaceful environment throughout the election period.
Additionally, the Joint Task Force (JTF) Storm will carry out enhanced Military and Law Enforcement Operations (JEMLEO) in coordination with RJSCC-8 to address potential threats and prevent violence.
Major General Ariel Orio, Commander of the 8ID, reaffirmed the commitment of JTF Storm and its partner agencies to secure the upcoming elections in Eastern Visayas.
“The entire JTF Storm is dedicated to ensuring a secure and peaceful election. Our preparations include upholding the non-partisan role of military forces and building public confidence in their ability to protect our fellow Filipinos. I call on the people of Eastern Visayas to join us in this effort,” Maj. Gen. Orio stated.
He added, “The collective efforts of security forces, in partnership with local communities, are crucial in creating an environment conducive to a free and fair electoral process in the region.” | via The Samar Chronicle
