Philippine Army troops helped secure polling precincts as millions of Filipinos cast their vote for the National and Local Elections on May 9, 2022.
The Commission on Elections has deputized policemen, soldiers and coast guard personnel to secure polling precincts and election paraphernalia on May 9, 2022. Government security forces are also mandated to provide security to COMELEC personnel, poll deputies, and other government personnel performing election-related duties. They are likewise tasked to ensure the availability of transportation assets, communications systems, and other equipment that could be used by the commission in conducting the elections.
In response to Armed Forces of the Philippines’s directive on the 2022 National and Local Election, the Philippine Army has directed Infantry Divisions and the 1st Brigade Combat Team to organize company-sized election contingency (standby) forces. Aside from the nearly 400 troops who are part of the Headquarters Philippine Army (HPA) Contingency Force, Philippine Army Major Units (PAMUs) have designated around 1,300 personnel as part of their respective poll contingency forces.
Moreover, PA Functional Commands, Specialized Enabler Units and, Engineer Brigades deployed around 5,000 troops as augmentation forces to address the additional personnel requirements of the six AFP Unified Commands.
Additionally, HPA has allocated a total of 66 organic vehicles and four air assets to assist the Commission on Elections on its transportation requirements.
Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr., earlier placed PA under Red Alert status to ensure that all units are complete and ready to be deployed on orders to address possible threats that may arise during the election period.
Photos: Pvt Divino Lozano Philippine Army/ OACPA