AFP deploys over 60,000 personnel for Eleksyon 2022

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has deployed over 60,000 troops across the country for the conduct of local and national elections on Monday, May 9.

In a Super Radyo dzBB interview, AFP spokesperson Army Colonel Ramon Zagala said their primary function is to support the Commission on Elections (Comelec) by sending their personnel identified as areas of concern.

“Sa ngayon ay over 60,000 ang tropa natin ang naka-deploy sa iba't-ibang lugar sa bansa” (Now, over 60,000 of our troops are deployed in various parts of the country), Zagala said.

“Sa mga areas na ito, nag-realign tayo ng mga kasundaluhan para mabigyan natin ng tugon, lalo na dito sa Central Mindanao,” he added.

(We have realigned the troops especially in Central Mindanao so we can provide a response.)

On the other hand, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday that as of May 4, at least 24 towns and four cities have been placed under the Commission on Elections’ control due to security concerns.

Also, the PNP reported that 24 individuals were arrested, five of them were injured, in a suspected election-related shooting incident in Nueva Ecija, involving security personnel of incumbent mayor Isidro Pajarillaga and mayoral candidate Virgilio Bote.

Meanwhile, Zabala said they have set up a command center in Camp Aguinaldo to immediately respond to election related incidents.

He noted that, so far, “everything is under control” and that there were no reported incidents that could cause alarm.

“Nakahanda ang AFP na umalalay sa mga guro at sa mga boboto para mapanatili ang ligtas at mapayapang eleksyon,” Zabala added.

(The AFP is ready to support teachers and voters to maintain safe and peaceful elections.) —LBG, GMA News