FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – The 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army led by Major General Andrew D. Costelo PA led the send-off ceremony of the 72nd Division Reconnaissance Company (72nd DRC) to 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, Philippine Army in Mindanao about the upcoming Barangay and SK Elections 2023 at 702nd Infantry (Defender) Brigade Headquarters in Camp Tito Abat, Manaoag, Pangasinan on October 18, Wednesday.
MGen. Costelo, in his Talk to Troops, reminded the soldiers to be non-partisan and focused only on its mandate to support the law enforcement operations of the local PNP and the Commission on Elections about the conduct of free, honest, orderly, peaceful, and credible elections.
“We are here to ensure your readiness in performing your election duties. Your readiness is paramount in ensuring the security of the community when they exercise their right to suffrage. We fully support the local PNP and COMELEC in implementing the rules and regulations of the elections,” MGen. Costelo said.
As part of the JTF Kaugnay’s law enforcement support operations, the 7ID have already deployed a total of 1, 374 troops (Officers and Enlisted Personnel) to assist the PNP and COMELEC in the exercise of their duties before, during, and after the local elections.
These troops were deployed in the provinces of Tarlac, Bataan, Zambales, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bulacan, Pangasinan and Aurora to deter the different threat groups and private armed groups from conducting extortion activities or sowing violence.
“We already provided security, available land assets, communication system, and other equipment to COMELEC in the implementation of election laws, rules, and regulations to ensure safe, accurate, free, and fair conduct of the elections,” MGen. Costelo added.
In line with this, the 7ID has established strong coordination with different law enforcement agencies for a speedy and efficient exchange of information necessary for the success of their joint operations.
“As the JTF Kaugnay Commander, I am happy to inform everyone that as of this date, we haven’t received yet any reports of CTG members collecting permit to campaign fees with the local candidates in our Area of Responsibility,” he said.
