AFP to deploy 800 soldiers for barangay polls in Metro

MANILA, Philippines - The military will deploy more than 800 soldiers to support the Philippine National Police (PNP) in securing the barangay polls in Metro Manila next week.

Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said 861 soldiers would help in poll-related duties such as manning checkpoints, conducting visibility patrols, establishing assistance desks and securing vital installations and voting centers.

The deployment took effect last Monday and will be in force until Oct. 30.

Zagala said each major service has committed 67 soldiers to be placed under the command of the Joint Task Force National Capital Region (NCR). These military personnel would augment the 165 soldiers under the task force.

The soldiers will undergo pre-deployment lectures on legal procedures in the conduct of election-related duties.

Zagala said they have not monitored any threat that would disrupt the barangay polls.

“The AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) will maintain vigilance and continue its close coordination with the PNP in carrying out election security operations to ensure that the Filipino people could peacefully and safely practice their right to suffrage,” he said.

More than 500,000 are seeking posts in the barangay elections on Oct. 28. – Alexis Romero