8K gov't troops in Bicol deployed for poll duties

By Connie Calipay

A total of 7,952 government troops were deployed to the six provinces of Bicol Region to help ensure peace and order during the May 9 elections, the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) said.

Maj. Malu Calubaquib, PRO-5 spokesperson, said PRO-5, together with its partner agencies, prepared its human resources and logistical capabilities for the national and local elections.

A simultaneous multi-agency send-off ceremony was held at the Legazpi City Airport for the government forces composed of personnel from the PRO-5, Philippine Army, Maritime Unit, Highway Patrol Group, Special Action Force, and Philippine Coast Guard.

"This sending-off of personnel and resources is to improve the capability of police units on the ground to ensure a fair, honest, safe, and secure election," Calubaquib said.

She said PRO-5 has the availability and serviceability of over 700 logistical support units including 12 patrol cars, 61 light transport vehicles, 337 patrol cars, 11-man trucks, a rescue vehicle, 10 ambulances, six pick-ups, 300 motorcycles, 18 personnel carriers motorcycles, seven vans, a coaster, a bus, and a special purpose vehicle.

"PRO-5 has already deployed 462 contingents of the Regional Special Operations Task Group (RSOTG) in the province of Masbate. It had also trained 231 police under the Regional Headquarters Unit-Reactionary Standby Support Force (RHQ-RSSF) who are expected to provide Search and Rescue Operation; Emergency Medical Response; Response to Active Shooter; and Crowd Management," Calubaquib added. (PNA)