Ahead of poll day, 150 troops deployed to Santa Margarita, Samar

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2,821 soldiers have been deployed across Eastern Visayas to ensure safety during the May 12 polls

SAMAR, Philippines – Days before the May 12 polls, the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army deployed a total of 150 augmentation troops to Santa Margarita town, Samar, as of Saturday, May 10.

Santa Margarita has been classified under the red category by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) because of its history of election-related violence, intense political rivalries, and potential threats from insurgent groups. 

In January 2024, three cops from the 1st Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (SPMFC) and Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) were killed in a gunfight as they attempted to serve arrest warrants against three gang members of the Ampoan criminal group in Barangay Mahayag, Santa Margarita. Four of their comrades were wounded after the incident. 

Army Colonel Erickson Rosana, deputy brigade commander of the 803rd Brigade, who visited the troops on May 8, told Rappler that the augmentation troops were positioned in strategic areas to ensure a safe environment for voters, candidates, and election officials.

Task Force HOPE (Honest, Orderly, Peaceful Election) Commander Colonel Arlino Sendaydiego highlighted ongoing monitoring for private armed groups that could disrupt the election. Furthermore, he instructed the military troops to safeguard not only the voters, but also the electoral boards, ballots and other election materials.

As part of a broader regional effort, a total of 2,821 soldiers have been deployed across Eastern Visayas.

According to Army Colonel Nasser Arojo, battalion commander of the 43rd Infantry Battalion, troops have been deployed to the area since April.

All of the military personnel are stationed in the upland barangays of Mahayag, Cinco, Curry, Avelino, Roxas, Bana-oa, Imelda, Panaruan, Canmoro and Salvacion.

While a portion of the forces were deployed to Barangays Palale, Lambao, Cagsumji, Solsogon, Napuro 1 and 2, Brgy Inoraguiao, Balud, Ilo, Monbon, Cautod and Burabod.

Eastern Visayas Army Commander  Major General Ariel Oreo and Brigadier General Efren Morados, during their visit yesterday in Santa Margarita, emphasized the military’s crucial role in maintaining peace and order, urging troops to act with integrity and prevent any attempts to undermine the national elections.

General Oreo urged the troops to act with integrity and apprehend those who seek to undermine the elections. – Rappler.com