CATBALOGAN, Philippines – The 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army has stepped up its efforts to ensure a secure and peaceful 2025 midterm elections, deploying additional personnel across Eastern Visayas through Task Force HOPE (Honest, Orderly, and Peaceful Elections).
In a send-off ceremony held on Sunday, May 4, at the 8ID Grandstand, 86 more troops were dispatched to various strategic locations in the region, bringing the total deployment to 2,821 personnel. The move comes as part of the military’s support to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in safeguarding the May 12 polls.
Colonel Arlino Sendaydiego, Task Force HOPE–Eastern Visayas Commander, said the deployment aims to strengthen security measures, particularly in areas vulnerable to threats from the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG).
“These troops will be positioned in key areas to ensure the safety of voters, candidates, and election workers,” Col. Sendaydiego said.
“We’re also working closely with law enforcement partners to monitor and deter any activities of private armed groups that may attempt to disrupt the election process.”
8ID Commander Major General Adonis Ariel Orio stressed that despite the focus on election-related duties, the division remains committed to its ongoing internal security operations.
“We will continue our campaign to dismantle the remaining CTG elements in the region,” said Maj. Gen. Orio.
“At the same time, our troops are reminded to uphold professionalism and neutrality, maintaining a non-partisan stance as they carry out their constitutional mandate.”
The Philippine Army’s increased presence in Eastern Visayas reflects its commitment to supporting COMELEC and ensuring a safe environment where the people’s voices can be heard freely and fairly during the upcoming elections. | via Ricky Bautista with reports from 8DPAO
