The Philippine Army has already deployed around 2,821 soldiers in Eastern Visayas communities to help ensure peaceful and orderly elections on May 12.

Since the activation on Feb. 11, 2025, of Task Force HOPE (honest, orderly, and peaceful elections), the Army’s 8th Infantry Division has deployed thousands of government troops to provide security assistance to the Philippine National Police and other security agencies.

The last batch, composed of 86 additional personnel, was deployed on May 4, a week before the national and local elections, said Task Force HOPE–Eastern Visayas commander Col. Arlino Sendaydiego in a statement on Wednesday.

The official said the deployment is part of the Philippine Army’s support to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in safeguarding the voting process.

“The troops will be stationed in strategic areas, particularly those affected by the communist terrorist group. Their mandate is to provide a secure environment for voters, candidates, and election officials,” Sendaydiego said in a statement.

He added that the task force, in coordination with partner law enforcement agencies, is also monitoring any presence of possible private armed groups organized to commit acts of terrorism or to intimidate voters.

Since the start of the election period, the military has supported efforts to secure vital infrastructure for elections, strengthen voter education campaigns, and coordinate with local and national stakeholders in electoral activities.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the 8th Infantry Division, emphasized that while troops are deployed for election duties, internal security operations will continue without disruption.

“We remain focused on our primary mission – to finally eradicate the remaining communist terrorist group. Our responsibilities in both internal and external security operations remain a top priority,” Orio said.

The top army official also reminded all troops to be non-partisan and apolitical at all times and exercise their mandate under the Constitution to secure the peaceful and orderly conduct of the elections.

Some 3,259,554 registered voters from the six provinces of Eastern Visayas are expected to troop to 5,670 clustered precincts to cast their votes for the midterm polls. (PNA)