Butuan City: The Police Regional Office in the Caraga Region (PRO-13) has taken a significant step to ensure the smooth conduct of the upcoming midterm elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) by deploying 596 police personnel. This deployment aims to assist in maintaining order during the elections scheduled for May 12.

According to Philippines News Agency, the send-off ceremony for the officers was led by PRO-13 Director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano and Commission on Elections Assistant Regional Director Geraldine Samson. The group consists of 537 male and 59 female personnel, which includes nine commissioned officers. Lt. Col. Michael Lozada has been appointed as the ground commander for this deployment.

These officers will actively participate as members of the special electoral board across various provinces in the BARMM on election day. During the send-off, Brig. Gen. Abrahano emphasized their preparedness, acknowledging the comprehensive training they have undergone for this crucial mission. The primary objective is to contribute to a peaceful and orderly election process within the BARMM.

Brig. Gen. Abrahano also expressed gratitude for the decision to send additional forces to BARMM, highlighting that this move reflects the manageable peace and order situation currently prevailing in the Caraga Region. As of April 22, 13 areas of concern related to the elections have been identified in the region, with six in Surigao del Sur, five in Surigao del Norte, and one each in Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur.