NEWLY promoted Brigadier Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 303rd Brigade of the Philippine Army based in Murcia, Negros Occidental, clarified on Tuesday, March 19, that they were prohibited by the headquarters from taking part in the medical mission in Isabela town.

Arevalo said they want to maintain nonpartisanship as the election is fast approaching

Arevalo made the clarification after Isabela Mayor Joselito Malabor questioned the army's absence in the said medical mission.

Arevalo explained that military units are required to be nonpartisan as the campaign period is underway.

He said that aside from Malabor, they also received a request from Dr. Irene Montilla, who is challenging Malabor in the mayoral race. Montilla reportedly requested the army to participate in a medical mission, to which the army also declined.

Arevalo said there was nothing personal in the cancellations.

The army commander said they can still conduct medical missions, but requests should come from non-government organizations.

Earlier, upon hearing the reason given by the military unit, Malabor said he was surprised as the said unit has participated in a medical mission held in the town last month.

Despite the battalion informing him of the circumstances, Malabor said he could not think of any reason why they would cancel their participation, noting that the army unit has its own medical and dental team to render various services.