MANILA, Philippines - Soldiers and government militiamen in Bicol have been ordered by their commanders to vote in the May elections.
Maj. Angelo Guzman, spokesman for the Army’s 9th Infantry Division (ID) said the directive was issued at a command conference in Camp Angeles in Pili, Camarines Sur early this week.
“Make your security plan in such a way that all your soldiers and CAFGUs will be able to cast their vote,†Maj. Gen. Romeo Calizo, chief of the 9th ID, said at the conference which was attended by brigade, battalion and support unit commanders.
“We will apply for absentee voting for all soldiers registered outside Bicol region. The rest will cast their votes at their respective place of registration†Calizo said.
Security forces also activated Task Group Bicol 2013 to secure the elections.
Brig. Gen. Felix Castro, assistant commander of the 9th ID will be operations chief and Col. Anthony Purugganan deputy task group commander. – Alexis Romero, Francis Elevado, Celso Amo