Troops pre-deployed to secure BOL: AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 18): Troops pre-deployed to secure BOL: AFP

Military efforts to secure the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) plebsicite are now complete with only minor adjustments to be done, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato said Friday.

"Yes, troops securing the BOL plebiscite (are) already pre-deployed and only minor adjustments are being done by field commanders as 'D-Day' (election day) comes," Detoyato said when asked for updates on security preparations for the plebiscite.

While they have yet to detect any specific threats against the elections, Detoyato said that they are monitoring the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and other ISIS-inspired terror groups who might have plans to disrupt Monday's polls.

"Yes, we are monitoring and other troops are operating (to forestall possible disruption attempts by these groups)," he added.

The military is earmarking around 10,000 plus troops and support units to help secure the BOL plebiscite along with the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Jan. 21.

"Rest assured, the AFP together with the PNP and with the big help from OPAPP (Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process) the LGUs (local government units) and MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) leadership, the coming plebiscite will be conducted smoothly," Detoyato added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059308