Military forms security task force to ensure SAFE elections

Brigadier General Potenciano C. Camba, EastMinCom Deputy Commander will head the STF.  

Camba’s task will supervise all election STFs under EastMinCom in implementing election laws and regulations to ensure a Secure, Accurate, Free, and Fair Elections (SAFE) in close coordination and collaboration with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

On Wednesday (May 4) EastMinCom  officially deployed its contingent for their election duties during the send-off ceremony held at EastMinCom headquarters in Camp Panacan this city.

EastMinCom also activated its Election Duty Company (EMC EDCoy), which consists of three platoons with 86 Officers and Enlisted Personnel from EastMinCom Headquarters, Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, and Tactical Operations Wing Eastern Mindanao.

EastMinCom chief Lieutenant General Greg Almerol said that the troops will perform their mandate to prevent the plans of any threat groups to disrupt the electoral proceedings and urged the public to support the security forces by reporting any suspicious activities.

Almerol assured that they will fully perform their mandate to ensure that no disruption will occur as Filipino citizens exercise their democratic rights.

He also encouraged the public to be vigilant and report any activity that may disrupt the upcoming polls so that the military can immediately respond.

“While we are securing the people to exercise their right to suffrage, we also commit to uphold our political neutrality in the performance of our mandate,” he said.

Almerol assures the public that no military personnel will be involved in partisan politics as our loyalty is on our constitution and not on any political figure.

He also warned those who will undermine the electoral process will pay the price for their criminal acts as they will not hesitate to enforce the full force of law in accordance with the COMELEC guidelines, especially those who will sabotage the elections through intimidation and harassment.

He said the command will uphold the conduct of a fair and credible election, adding those who will cheat and undermine the electoral process will surely pay with their lives.