The Armed Forces of the Philippines said the conduct of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in the Visayas region on 30 October was "very peaceful."

In an interview, AFP Visayas Command chief LtGen. Benedict Arevalo said the success of the BSKE in the region was due to the strong collaborative efforts of the AFP, the Commission on Elections, the Department of Education, the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Coast Guard. 

"All the efforts, sacrifices, and time spent in planning and preparations have paid off, as far as the voting for the barangay and SK elections in the Visayas is concerned, it was very peaceful," he said. 

Arevalo also cited that the timely and synchronized deployment of security forces, especially in areas included in the election watchlist, which he said played an important role in ensuring safe, peaceful and orderly elections in the region.

The AFP began deploying military personnel last 18 October, with four platoons composed of 120 soldiers from Eastern Visayas in Negros Oriental tapped for the mission. 

Arevalo said the PNP, through its Area Police Command in Visayas and the PCG also deployed their own forces. 

"We commend the collaborative efforts of our partner agencies and for adhering to the rules and regulations in the conduct of the elections. Salute to our troops, the teachers from DepEd, members of the Comelec, and our counterparts from the PNP and the PCG for manifesting the highest standard of professionalism in the conduct of the BSKE," he said.

The VisCom has intensified its conduct of focused military operations in the outskirt communities of the region since March to prevent the rebel New People's Army "from perpetrating atrocities that may hamper or disrupt the electoral process," said Arevalo.

He noted that several reserved forces composed of 1,620 AFP personnel and several mission essential assets were prepositioned in strategic areas per province "where they could be mobilized immediately if the need arose."

The AFP also deployed six combat utility helicopters in Negros Oriental to conduct aerial reconnaissance ahead and during the BSKE.