Eastmincom set for Midterm Elections

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - The Eastern Mindanao Command is all set for the conduct of Midterm Local and National Elections on May 13, 2019.

At present, the troops of the Command who are deployed conducting support program in the different communities are also conducting security operations in their respective area of jurisdiction to ensure the safety of preparation, particularly the movement of election paraphernalia in the different polling centers all over Eastern Mindanao.

The added task of the troops presently deployed is likewise in support to the Comprehensive and Integrated Security Plan (CISP) being implemented by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC)-Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)-Philippine National Police (PNP) Joint Security Coordinating Committee (JSCC) in the different Regions, Provinces, and Municipalities of Eastern Mindanao.

Lt. General Felimon T. Santos Jr. Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command has already directed the organization of Regional, Provincial and Municipal Rapid Deployable Force and Quick Reaction Teams to support the PNP when the need arises.

Likewise, the AFP transport equipment within EMC control such as floating and flying assets are on alert status and will be deployed, if necessary, upon the deputization and order of the COMELEC.

The Election Monitoring Action Centers (EMAC) at all levels of the Command were likewise established as part of the security mechanism that is being implemented. These EMACs are also inter-connected with COMELEC and PNP EMACs.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Santos Jr. encouraged the public to exercise their freedom to vote and assured everyone of safe and secure conduct of the election.

"Go out and vote come election time. With the close coordination of the PNP and COMELEC, and the security mechanism we have set, we are assuring the general public that the Command will be working for the safe and secure conduct of election in Eastern Mindanao so that everyone will be allowed to exercise their freedom to elect their leaders without force and coercion," Lt Gen Santos said.

Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP