ZAMBOANGA CITY – Additional military personnel have arrived in Basilan to help maintain peace during the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections in 2023.
Two companies from the 8th Field Army and a platoon from the 12th Cavalry, formerly stationed in Sulu, landed on the island of Basilan as part of the additional forces for the campaign of the Artillery Battalion in preserving peace until the day of the Barangay and SK elections on October 30 this year.
Army Colonel Frederick Sales, deputy commander of the 101st Brigade, personally welcomed the troops upon their arrival at the port in Lamitan City, Basilan.
Basilan Governor Jim Salliman-Hataman expressed his gratitude to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for deploying additional soldiers to the island, reinforcing the peace process through increased security forces in the province.
Yesterday, the 101st Brigade assured Barangay Tabiawan that the arrival of additional troops on the island will solely contribute to maintaining peace during the Barangay and SK elections.
Gen. Alvin Luzon, Commander of the 101st Brigade: General Luzon explained that despite the improved situation in Basilan, ensuring people’s safety remains a priority due to unresolved conflicts.
Luzon thanked thanked local governments for their efforts in preventing disturbances and informed the people about government programs that have contributed to peace.
Luzon also led the peace covenant signing in each municipality to ensure that no conflicts occur during the Barangay and SK elections.
