Stay away from politics, soldiers asked

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Do not get involved in partisan politics, Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command chief Maj. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero urged soldiers under his command.

“Soldiers must remain objective and focused on their sworn duty to the country,” Guerrero said.

He reminded the soldiers of President Aquino’s directive for government troops to ensure order and remain apolitical during elections.

Guerrero said more soldiers would be deployed to Eastern Mindanao for counterinsurgency operations. He said two battalions had just arrived in Tandag, Surigao del Sur and Compostela Valley.

He said the military is also doing its best to secure power transmission towers. The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines has recorded at least 18 attacks on its transmission facilities in Mindanao since November.

Guerrero said they have launched the Bayanihan Investment Protection Security Operation to protect vital installations and facilities from attacks by lawless elements.