According to Major Mark Anthony Tito, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division, certain areas in Bukidnon, Agusan del Sur, and Surigao del Sur still face risks from rebel fronts.
However, from January 1, 2023 to the present, 109 former rebels have surrendered, 134 former militiang bayans have stopped supporting the rebel movement, and 67 mass organizations have yielded to authorities.
“They prefer to surrender to the Philippine Army,” he said in the AFP-PNP Press Corps briefing on Wednesday (Oct. 4) at The Royal Mandaya Hotel.
Tito, meanwhile, said the communist rebels have also not sought permits to campaign in Davao Region for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections on October 30.
Tito said to ensure the safety of the elections, 66 checkpoints have been set up in the region with the Commission on Elections.
He said the 10th Infantry Division would also establish a provisional election battalion composed of four companies to focus more on election duties.
Tito said soldiers in this battalion will be deployed in hotspot areas and other areas of concern as ordered by the Commission on Elections.
He said that although soldiers might not have the opportunity to vote if they are deployed outside their residences, they are encouraged to do so if they are near their registered polling precinct. (JSGD-Davao del Sur)
October 4, 2023 Major Mark Anthony Tito, spokesman 10th ID