PRO-13 deploys 887 cops for BARMM polls
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — The Police Regional Office in Caraga (PRO-13) deployed on Monday 887 police officers to augment security and election operations for the first parliamentary polls in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Sept. 14.
The contingent was formally sent off during a ceremony held at Camp Col. Rafael C. Rodriguez in Barangay Libertad, Butuan City.
Of the total personnel deployed, 375 will serve as members of Special Electoral Boards, while 490 will be assigned to security duties.
The remaining 22 will serve as drivers.
The PRO-13 personnel will be deployed to key areas in Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and the Special Geographic Area.
Col. Michael Lozada, head of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 13, will lead the augmentation force.
The personnel have been tasked with maintaining peace and order, securing polling areas, supporting other election-related activities, and responding to potential security concerns during the elections, PRO-13 said.
Atty. Geraldine Samson, Commission on Elections – Caraga assistant regional director, attended the send-off ceremony as guest of honor and speaker.
Brig. Gen. Rolindo M. Suguilon, PRO-13 regional director, said the 375 police personnel designated to serve on Special Electoral Boards had undergone training to prepare them for their duties.
The training covered their responsibilities and election security protocols to help ensure the safe, peaceful, and orderly conduct of the polls, PRO-13 said.
Suguilon reminded the personnel that their deployment carried a significant responsibility in protecting the electoral process.
“Your deployment to the Bangsamoro autonomous region is not simply an assignment. You are being entrusted with a mission that is vital to our democracy,” Suguilon said.
He also expressed hope for the safety and well-being of the deployed personnel as they carry out their duties in the BARMM. /gsg
