The Commission on Elections (Comelec), Bohol Provincial Police Office (BPPO) and the Philippine Army’s 47^th Infantry Battalion (IB) formally sent off military and police troops who are tasked to secure the various polling centers in Bohol.

Acting BPPO director Police Colonel Julius Cesar Gornez and 47^th IB commander Lt. Col Eufracio Malig turned over the 3,560-strong state security forces to the Comelec during a send-off ceremony at Camp Francisco Dagohoy in Tagbilaran City on Friday, three days before the polls.

The multi-agency troops are comprised of personnel from the BPPO, Cebu City Police Office, Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, Mandaue City Police Office, Regional Mobile Force Battalion, 47^th IB, Philippine Coast Guard,  Philippine Maritime Police, and Highway Patrol Group.

According to Gornez, police officers will be deployed to the various polling precincts in Tagbilaran City and the province’s 47 towns.

At least two police officers will be assigned to secure each of the voting centers, he said.

For his part, Comelec Acting Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Eddie Aba thanked the state security forces for their service in protecting the voters and securing the poll places.

Aba reminded the police and military personnel and other augmentation forces to remain impartial.

Meanwhile, Indonesian priest Rev. Fr. Lukas Wuna blessed the troops, their equipment and vehicles which will be used for the operations on Election Day. (rt)