ILIGAN CITY (MindaNews/01 May) – An Army unit has lent its support for an honest and orderly election in Lanao del Norte and Iligan by forming Task Force Piniliay.
The 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade here activated the task force on Wednesday with deputy brigade chief Col. Alex Aduca as its commander.
Task Force Pinilliay, which will be deployed in the 22 towns of Lanao del Norte and 44 villages of Iligan, comprises the 4th and 5th Mechanized Infantry Battalions, 51st Infantry Battalion and 11 Division Reconnaissance Company.
“Without any reservations we accept the responsibility, designation and the function of the Task Force Piniliay not only in paper but we should do it in action. Let us show that we can do something so that we can do our tasks, our function with utmost dedication,” Aduca said.
“We should believe that we are a force to reckon with. We should believe in our capability and our strength that we can secure the conduct of local and national election,” he said.
“We are mandated to protect not only the candidates and the voters but the facilities in coordination with the security sectors like the Philippine National Police, Department of Interior and Local Government and the Commission on Elections,” he added.
Aduca said they would not allow a failure of election in any part of the province and city.
BGen James Ezra P. Enriquez, brigade commander said “malaki ang role ng Task Force Piniliay and we as members of the Philippine Army will ensure that there will be fair, honest and peaceful, secure and credible elections.”
“In securing the elections, we must remain as non-partisan. As members of the Armed Forces, we cannot campaign for or against any candidates but we’re given a chance to exercise our right to vote,” he assured.
He said soldiers from the rank of corporal and up had complied with absentee voting for senators.
Due to the nature of their job the Commission of Elections has allowed absentee voting for soldiers.
He said they will ensure that no more shooting incident will happen in Salvador town until the election is over, alluding to the violence that marred the voting process in the area during the plebiscite on the Bangsamoro Law last February 6.
“On May 10, the Task Force Piniliay will establish its command center in Macapagal Training Center at the Governor Arsenio A Quibranza Provincial Government Center in Pigcarangan, Tubod, Lanao del Norte,” he added. (Richel V. Umel/MindaNews)