The AFP-Western Mindanao Command — through the Joint Task Force-Orion — has deployed additional soldiers in Basilan province to ensure a peaceful and orderly Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections slated on 30 October.

JTF-Orion commander Major General Ignatius Patrimonio on Monday withdrew four military units from Sulu and deployed them in Basilan on Sunday as additional forces for election duties on the island.

Col. Frederick M. Sales, deputy commander of the 101st Infantry (Three-Red Arrows) Brigade welcomed the four additional units in a simple arrival ceremony held at Lamitan Port in Lamitan City, Basilan Province.

The units comprise the 111th Division Reconnaissance Company; 112th   Division Reconnaissance Company; Charlie Company of the 8th  Field Artillery Battalion; and one Platoon of the 12th  Cavalry.

They will be integrated into the Three-Red Arrows Brigade's operational forces and will be deployed within the joint operational area according to Brig Gen. Alvin Luzon, commander of the 101st  Infantry (Three-Red Arrows) Brigade.

Luzon said the deployment of additional forces in the province  is part of the reorganization of units within JTF-Orion to adequately address the security concerns of its extended joint operational area.

He added that the troops is expected to augment the existing forces in preparation for the 2023 BSKE polls and stressed that more forces would be deployed to the different battalions, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the identified election areas of concern.

Luzon also explained that aside from election-related duties, the deployment of additional forces also seeks to assist the 101st Infantry Brigade in neutralizing the remaining Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf Group and other threat groups to finally achieve a safe and peaceful Basilan Province.

It is worth noting that Sulu province was recently proclaimed ASG-free, a situation that stakeholders and citizens in Basilan longed for.