Defense and military officials lead the send-off of police and police and military personnel tasked to secure the BOL plebiscite. Photo by Frances Mangosing / INQUIRER.net
MAGUINDANAO, Philippines — “All set and ready.”
Armed Forces chief Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. said security forces are all set for the historic plebiscite on the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law on Monday.
The military and police showcased its land, armor and air assets at a send-off ceremony and multi-faith prayer rally for the troops who will secure Monday’s event.
“Today, your Armed Forces assures the people that we are all set and ready for this historic event. We have already identified the gaps and have addressed them accordingly through the Joint Peace and Security Council national level meeting last Jan. 10,” Madrigal said.
“This has allowed us to instill necessary measures and initiatives to ensure the safe, free and orderly plebiscite for the ratification of the BOL,” he added.
NOW: Send off ceremony for police, military troops who will secure the historic Bangsamoro Organic Law plebiscite on Monday pic.twitter.com/zDCO1f9z7h
— Frances Mangosing (@FMangosingINQ) January 18, 2019
Also present at the ceremonial send-off were Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. and Comelec Commissioner Al Parreno.
A total of 20,104 police and military personnel will be deployed in various parts of Mindanao for the plebiscite.
“We assure you we have the best and the finest who were carefully selected,” said Philippine National Police Director General Oscar Albayalde.
Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, reminded the troops to respect human rights as they enforce the law.
Residents of Mindanao on Monday will vote to ratify or reject the BOL, the charter of the proposed Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
The plebiscite will be on Jan. 21 in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Cotabato City and Isabela City.
On Feb. 6, another vote will be held in Lanao del Norte (except Iligan City) and six towns in Cotabato that may want to become part of the new Muslim region. /muf