COTABATO CITY — The elite Scout Rangers have been deployed in Basilan for election security duties and other peace-building projects, a move lauded by various sectors looking forward to Monday’s village and youth council polls.

“Their presence is important to the joint peace and security programs of the Philippine Army, the Basilan Provincial Peace and Order Council, and the local government units in this province,” Brig. Gen. Alvin V Luzon, commander of the Army’s 101st Brigade, told reporters via text message on Tuesday.

He and representatives of various sectors were present during Monday’s arrival honors held at the Lamitan City Port for the 18th Scout Rangers Company (SRC) from Bulacan.

Richard G. Falcatan, in-charge of the communications team of the Basilan governor’s office, said the local Muslim and Christian communities were elated with the deployment in the province of the 18th SRC.

Mr. Falcatan said business blocs in Basilan were elated too, even ready to help push the 18th SRC’s civil-military relations activities after the synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan or SK elections.

Lt. Gen. Steve D. Crespillo, commander of the Western Mindanao Command, said the Scout Rangers shall also help Mr. Luzon and all units under him carry out WestMinCom’s campaign to reintegrate into mainstream society former Abu Sayyaf members who have returned to the fold of law. — John Felix M. Unson

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