BUTUAN CITY -- The 402nd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army continues to monitor the peace and order situation in the far-flung areas within their Area of Responsibility (AOR) that are also identified to have presence of the New People’s Army (NPA).

According to LTC Jeffrey Balingao, Executive Officer of 402nd Brigade, this is to ensure that everything is in control during the conduct of May 9, 2022 national and local elections.

"We cover 95 barangays in rural areas within our AOR and the rest are handled by the PNP. The 402nd Brigade covers areas of LASBUENASCAR (Las Nieves, Buenavista, Nasipit, Carmen); Butuan City; some barangays in the municipality of Esperanza and Bayugan City in the province of Agusan del Sur; and parts of Misamis Oriental. We also assured the locals that they are guarded especially during the conduct of May 9, 2022 National and Local elections," said Balingao.

He bared that there were only three election-related incidents recorded in line with the implementation of Gun Ban. 

“In so far as our security is concern, everything is under control and manageable. The  last Guerilla Front in the AOR particularly in Misamis Oriental has been dismantled, as part of our clearing efforts in the NPA formation. We are just waiting for the final order for the declaration,” he said. 

Balingao also expressed his optimism that the peace and development efforts established through the implementation of Executive Order No. 70 or the whole-of-nation approach to end local communists armed conflict (ELCAC) will be sustained by the next administration, as well as of those people's organizations and other sectors who are involved and have contributed to the progress of the said program and implementation of the Barangay Development Plan. 

He emphasized that this will prevent recruitment of more innocent people to join the senseless cause of the communist terrorist groups, as people are already engaged in the government's programs and services. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)