The Armed Forces of the Philippines-Visayas Command is set to deploy two combat utility helicopters in Negros Oriental to augment the security efforts of military ground forces stationed in the province during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on 30 October. 

AFP-VisCom chief Lt.Gen. Benedict Arevalo said the deployment of military air assets in the province is part of their contingency plan "in case any hostile incidents may occur, especially during transport of the election returns after the voting period."

"These air assets aim to provide immediate close air support to our ground troops who will respond to these incidents," he added.

Arevalo said the AFP will utilize one Blackhawk and one Bell Helicopter for this deployment.

The air assets will be pre-positioned at Camp Leon Kilat in Tanjay City and will be placed under the operational control of the Philippine Army's 302nd Infantry Brigade. 

"We don't want to take any chances. We know that the peace and order situation in Negros Oriental is now stable and very much under control by the government," Arevalo stressed. 

"We just want the people to feel safe and secure as they cast their votes and ensure that the upcoming electoral process will be successful," he added. 

About 2,719 AFP personnel have been deployed in Negros Oriental, 1,285 of whom are currently conducting focused military operations at the outskirt communities in the province to deter and prevent the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army "from conducting hostilities that may disrupt the electoral process in these areas."

Another 1,394 have been deployed to support the Philippine National Police in maintaining checkpoints identified by the Commission on Elections as well as securing the polling centers on election day and securing the safe transport of election paraphernalia.

Some 40 Officers and personnel are deployed to man the Election Monitoring Action Centers and the Joint Security Control Center in the province. 

Arevalo reaffirmed the AFP's commitment to ensure the success of the BSKE in Negros Oriental. 

"The objectives are simple: ensure the safety and security of our people as well as the success of the Barangay and SK Elections in Negros Oriental. Rest assured that we will never waver in our efforts, and we will never rest until our objectives are achieved," he said. 

Negros Oriental has been placed under Comelec control for the duration of the election period, with nine of its areas under election watchlist and one categorized as an Area of Concern due to intense political rivalry. 

Eight areas in the province, meanwhile, are designated as Areas of Immediate Concern due to reported sightings of the CPP-NPA.