THE 4th Infantry Division (4ID) deployed over 4,000 personnel to safeguard the 2022 national and local elections on May 9.

"In essence, all troops of the 4th Infantry Division is committed for election duty," 4ID Commander Major General Wilbur Mamawag said.

In a press statement, the troops with deployment in Northern Mindanao were sent off on May 4 together with other security forces from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Coast Guard and teachers from the Department of Education during the simultaneous multi-agency send-off and turnover ceremony at the Police Regional Office headquarters in Camp Alagar, Barangay Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City.

Mamawag reiterated his instruction to the troops to remain steadfast on their affairs and shield public service from political influences.

He said the security forces should maintain a high degree of professionalism and focus on their work to protect the people and the state.

The 4ID commander said the Joint Task Force Diamond will actively monitor the entire electoral process and assure to protect its sanctity and integrity.

"With various task forces activated and operationalized, we shall continue to monitor and to take appropriate actions in any election-related issues," Mamawag said.

"We have shown a high degree of interoperability, we shall maintain coordination with the Comelec, the PNP and all other law enforcement agencies deputized for this election," he added.

More than 400 personnel already casted their votes through the local absentee voting, which was facilitated by the Commission on Elections from April 26 to 30, 2022 at the 4ID Headquarters Camp Evangelista in Barangay Patag, Cagayan de Oro City.