Elite Scout Ranger company deployed in Basilan for Barangay, SK polls duties

COTABATO CITY — Local sectors were pleased over the deployment of the 18th Scout Rangers Company in Basilan for election security duties and other peacebuilding projects in view of the Oct. 30, 2023 barangay ang Sangguniang Kabataan polls.

Brig. Gen. Alvin Luzon, commander of the Army’s 101st Brigade and representatives of different sectors in Basilan together welcomed with a symbolic arrival honors the Scout Rangers from Bulacan as they alighted on Monday from the boat that ferried them Zamboanga City to the Lamitan City Port.

“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,” Luzon told reporters via text message on Tuesday morning.

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

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 SK elections.

Lt. Gen. Steve Crespillo, commander of the Western Mindanao Command, said Tuesday that the 18th SRC shall also help 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.