Army checks personnel’s poll readiness

JOLO, Sulu — The Philippine Army’s 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division evaluated soldiers’ readiness in Banguingui, Sulu, to help secure the 12 May midterm elections.

Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, stressed the need for troop preparedness. “With the elections approaching, we must ensure our forces are ready,” he said.

Delos Santos assessed operational readiness, morale, and logistics for the Charlie Company, 101st Infantry “Sajahitra” Battalion, and the 112nd Division Reconnaissance Company.

“Our mission is clear — to safeguard the electoral process so Banguingui residents can vote freely and safely,” he said.

He reminded troops to remain neutral: “We serve the Filipino people, not any candidate. Our duty is to protect voters and uphold election integrity.”

Delos Santos also met with Banguingui Mayor Nike Sahidula and Administrative Officer Wahid Sahidula to discuss security preparations.

Accompanying him were Deputy Brigade Commander Col. Alex Gagula, 101st Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Mike Demafelix, JTF Orion Operations Officer Lt. Col. Erwin Cariño, and other military and Commission on Elections officials.

The 1102nd Brigade reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring peaceful elections in Sulu.