With the hope of finally reducing - if not totally eradicating - Eastern Visayas' reputation of election-related violence, the Philippine Army has officially activated its Task Force HOPE (honest, orderly, and peaceful elections) - Eastern Visayas ahead of the upcoming May 12 midterm elections.
Capt. Jefferson Mariano, spokesperson of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division, said in a phone interview Wednesday that they held the activation ceremony on February 11 at the division headquarters in Catbalogan City, Samar, reaffirming the task force's commitment to maintaining a safe and orderly environment for the upcoming elections.
Task Force HOPE will focus on providing security in areas affected by the New People’s Army (NPA), especially in voting centers.
“We don’t have exact numbers as to how many soldiers form part of the task force, but the overall deployment for the region is 10,000, including those from the Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, and Bureau of Fire Protection tasked to secure election-related activities,” Mariano said.
The Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division has three brigades with 13 battalions. Each battalion has an average of 520 soldiers.
Mariano said that although the campaign season for local officials will start on March 28, the task force will monitor the situation in areas affected by insurgency.
Col. Arlino Sendaydiego, the commander of Task Force HOPE, in a statement on Wednesday, said they will collaborate with local government units for pre-election preparations.
They will also support efforts to secure vital infrastructure for elections, strengthen voter education campaigns, ensure adherence to safety and health protocols, and coordinate with local and national stakeholders in electoral activities.
"Our team is dedicated to supporting the Commission on Elections and other agencies to prevent unlawful acts that could threaten the democratic process. We will remain vigilant in guarding against any emerging threats,” Sendaydiego said.
Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division, directed the members of Task Force HOPE Eastern Visayas to maintain the highest standards of integrity while carrying out their duties to ensure peaceful elections in the region.
"We are here to protect and serve our fellow citizens in exercising democracy by voting. I urge you to perform your duties with the utmost respect and dedication. Always remain impartial and uphold the integrity of our mission,” Orio said during the event.
The task force is under the supervision of the Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC), headed by Comelec.
Areas of concern
At least 27 areas in Eastern Visayas have been identified by Comelec as "areas of concern" for the 2025 elections due to the threat of Communist insurgency as well as election-related violence.
The towns of Albuera, Hilongos, Palompon, Tabontabon and Villaba in Leyte; Calbayog City and Basey, Gandara, Matuguinao, Paranas and Pinabacdao towns in Samar; and Lope de Vega and Rosario towns in Northern Samar, were placed under a "yellow" alert due to a history of election-related violence, partisan political rivalry and the presence of private armed groups
Meanwhile, Baybay City and the towns of Tabango, Calubian, Leyte, and San Isidro in Leyte; as well as the towns of Catubig, Pambujan, Gamay, Palapag, Lapinig, Las Navas, Mapanas and Silvino Lobos town in Northern Samar were placed on "orange" alert due to the added threat of Communist insurgency.
Santa Margarita, Samar was the only town placed under "red" category, or areas with the highest risk due to elevated threats from armed groups.
(With report from PNA)
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