THE 2nd Marine Brigade is deploying troops to guard polling precincts on election day and the canvassing venue in the province of Tawi-Tawi.

This was the report of Brigadier General Romeo Racadio, 2nd Marine Brigade and Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi commander, to Lieutenant General Alfredo Rosario Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, during the latter's visit Monday, May 2, in the province of Tawi-Tawi.

"We already selected a number of marine troops who will guard the poll precincts on Election Day and during the canvassing," Racadio told Rosario.

"We are optimistic that we will be able to carry out our duties to ensure the honest, orderly, and peaceful conduct of the election here in Tawi-Tawi," Racadio added.

Rosario met the JTF-Tawi-Tawi officials the next day, Tuesday, May 3, purposely to check the preparations made by the command for the May 9 national and local elections.

Rosario commended the troops of JTF-Tawi-Tawi for their exhaustive preparation for the election.

"Let us give our all-out support to our partners and stakeholders and make sure that the electorates will be able to exercise their right to vote freely and safely," Rosario said.

"Let us do this for our fellow Filipinos and our beloved country," Rosario added.

Meanwhile, Rosario took the time to pay tribute to the Marine troops who paid their ultimate sacrifice while performing their sworn duties and protecting the peace-loving people of Tawi-Tawi in the past years.

The wreath-laying activity was held at the commemorative place inside the JTF-Tawi-Tawi headquarters. (SunStar Zamboanga)