Manila: The Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) has vowed to support the initiatives of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to deter election-related threats and violence in northern Negros ahead of the May 12 national and local elections. 1Lt. Dan Carlo Samoza, 79IB civil-military operations officer, made the assurance following the clash between government troops and New People’s Army (NPA) remnants in Cadiz City last month.

According to Philippines News Agency, the 79IB continues to monitor the rebels’ extortion and permit to campaign activities in their area of operation. Samoza noted the possibility of these activities occurring, emphasizing that they have extended their extortion activities by dividing into smaller groups, as evident in the last encounter in Cadiz.

In a separate statement, 79IB commander Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan stated that their unit, based in Sagay City, Negros Occidental, actively participates in various Comelec-initiated activities to reaffirm the troops’ commitment to a safe, credible, and peaceful midterm election. Calaoagan assured that their troops are fully committed to ensuring that the people of Negros can vote freely and without fear. They are working closely with the Comelec, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and local government units to safeguard the integrity of this democratic exercise.

The Army unit has been active in security deployments and joint law enforcement operations, including checkpoints, simulations, inter-agency coordination, participation in peace covenant signing, and supporting the ‘Kontra Bigay’ campaign. These activities highlight the troops’ readiness to respond to any security challenges that may arise during the election period. The 79IB remains steadfast in its mission to prevent election-related violence and external threats that could disrupt the voting process.

The 79IB chief also urged Negrenses to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities that may compromise the integrity of the elections. The municipality of Calatrava in northern Negros has been identified by the Comelec as an area of concern under the orange category, indicating areas with serious armed threats, to guide the poll body and government forces in drafting security plans for the May 12 elections.