PUSPUSAN ang ginagawang operasyon ng Philippine Army laban sa private armed groups (PAGs) bago pa sumapit ang national and local elections sa Mayo.
Ipinag-utos ni Commanding General Philippine Army (CGPA) Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr.sa lahat ng area at provincial field unit commander sa buong bansa na wasakin ang lahat ng private armed groups sa kanilang mga nasasakupan upang matiyak na magkakaroon ng peaceful and orderly sa nalalapit na halalan.
“In order for us to achieve peaceful and orderly elections, let us look into dismantling private armed groups,” ani Brawner sa ginawang Army-wide first command conference sa Headquarters Philippine Army sa Fort Bonifacio.
“Let me remind you of our two solemn duties in the coming elections: vote and ensure peaceful and orderly elections. We will not tolerate partisan politics and military adventurism,” paalala ng Army chief.
Sa pagbisita nito sa Maguindanao-based 6th Infantry Division, una nang ipinag utos ni Lt. Gen. Brawner sa kanilang mga tauhan ang pag-dismantle sa lahat ng private armed groups at iba pang mga tinaguriang peace spoilers na nagsisilbing security threats sa gaganapin eleksyon .
Kasabay nito hinikayat ni Brawner ang mga pulitiko na huwag magbayad ng “permit to campaign” sa CPP-NPA Terrorists sa panahon ng campaign period.
“We will closely partner with the Commission on Elections and other concerned agencies to provide an atmosphere of safety and security so that the people can vote freely, thus upholding the sanctity of the ballot,” ani Brawner. VERLIN RUIZ
