No need to deploy more troops to central Mindanao during BOL plebiscite — AFP

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) officials on Sunday said there will be no need to deploy additional soldiers to central Mindanao for the conduct of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) plebiscite.

"There is no need because we have enough troops [in the area]...Since the ratification of the BOL, the troops are already in place," said the military's public affairs chief Noel Detoyato.

Through a plebiscite on January 21 and February 6, voters will decide on the ratification of the BOL, which was already ratified by the Congress and later on will be approved by President Rodrigo Duterte.

According to Detoyato, the military has been in coordination with some advocates of the BOL and other stakeholders which led to improved security in the region.

The BOL will start the establishment of a new political entity in the South to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, keeping the 2014 peace agreement between the state and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

"So far there is no requirement [for additional forces]," said the commander of the Army's 6th Infantry Division Cirilito Sobejana in Maguindanao, expressing that there is nothing to worry about with the conduct of the plebiscite.

He said that there are five brigades under his operation, composed of about 7,500 officers and men. — Joviland Rita/BM, GMA News