By Jennifer P. Rendon
With more than a month before the national and local elections, the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division has finalized its security plans.
Brig. Gen. Nhel Richard Patricio, commander of the 301st Infantry Brigade, presented the 3ID’s strategies during the 3rd Regional Joint Security Coordinating Center command conference held Saturday, March 29, at the Police Regional Office 6 headquarters in Camp Delgado, Iloilo City.
The plan includes the strategic deployment of troops and mobility assets.
Patricio said these resources will be positioned across the five provinces of Western Visayas: Aklan, Iloilo, Capiz, Antique and Guimaras.
He added that the security measures aim to protect voters, election inspectors, and the integrity of the electoral process.
On behalf of Joint Task Force SPEAR and 3ID Commander Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, Patricio reaffirmed the division’s commitment to ensuring safe, accurate and orderly elections.
“As election day approaches, we will continue our preparations, adjust plans as needed, and collaborate closely with our counterparts,” he said.
“Our efforts will ensure effective deployment, secure polling places, deter violence through checkpoints and monitor illegal election activities.”
Patricio acknowledged the challenges ahead, noting that although similar operations have been done before, each election presents unique circumstances.
Despite these, he expressed confidence in the RJSCC’s ability to deliver.
“Our commitment to fully support our partners in ensuring safe, orderly and fair NLE 2025 will see us through,” he said.
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky, Western Visayas police chief, presented the police force’s security plan.
The Coast Guard District–Western Visayas was represented by its chief of staff, Cmdr. Richard Gura.
Before the presentations, Atty. Roberto A. Salazar, Commission on Elections–Aklan provincial election supervisor, discussed key issues related to the upcoming elections.
He focused on Comelec Resolution No. 11086, which outlines regulations on campaigning and proposed joint security plans involving the three security agencies.
Atty. Dennis Ausan, Comelec-6 regional election director, said the proposed security plans will be distributed to provincial election supervisors for review, feedback and recommendations.
The consolidated plans will be finalized at the next RJSCC meeting.
