EastMinCom to ensure SAFE polls as it deploys Security Task Forces for 2022 Election Duty

 

The said contingent, organized as EastMinCom Security Task Force (STF) NLE 2022, is based on the guidance of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Andres C. Centino to establish STFs from the Unified Command down to the Battalion levels to secure the May 9 polls.

 

BGen. Potenciano C. Camba, the Deputy Commander of EastMinCom, was designated as Commander of the said Task Force. His task is to supervise all election STFs under EastMinCom in implementing election laws and regulations to ensure Secure, Accurate, Free, and Fair Elections (SAFE) in close coordination and collaboration with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

 

Simultaneously, EastMinCom has 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.

 

On the same day, the 4th and 10th Infantry Divisions under EastMinCom sent off their respective Security Task Forces composed of regular and reserved personnel to be deployed in their areas of responsibility. They will complement other government agencies deputized in the election duty, such as the PNP, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Department of Education (DepEd).

 

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

 

“Rest assured that we will fully perform our mandate to ensure that no disruption will occur as our citizens exercise their democratic rights. While doing so, we also encourage the public to be vigilant and report any activity that may disrupt the upcoming polls so that we can immediately respond," he said.

 

“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. Rest assured that no AFP personnel will involve in partisan politics as our loyalty is on our constitution and not on any political figure," he expressed.

 

He also warned those who will undermine the electoral process will pay the price for their criminal acts.

 

“We will not hesitate to enforce the full force of law in accordance with the COMELEC guidelines, especially those who will sabotage the elections through intimation and harassment. EMC will uphold the conduct of a fair and credible election. Those who will cheat and undermine the electoral process will surely pay with their lives, I assure the people in my Joint Operational Area, " the Commander EastMinCom emphasized.###