/PNA
MANILA — Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff, Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, on Saturday visited two military units tasked to secure the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) plebiscite on January 21.
These units are the 103rd Infantry Brigade and the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion located in in Camp Ranao, Marawi City and Barangay Maria Cristina, Iligan City, respectively, AFP public affairs office chief, Col. Noel Detoyato said.
Detoyato, in a message sent to reporters, said the AFP chief checked the readiness of the troops to secure Monday’s polls as Marawi City and towns in Lanao del Norte are also going to participate in the plebiscite to ratify the BOL.
Madrigal’s visit is also aimed at making sure that the welfare of the troops is taken care of, Detoyato added.
Madrigal also visited the main battle area now called as the most -affected area during the Marawi siege to check the situation and ongoing security operations to facilitate the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Marawi City led by the Task Force Bangon Marawi.
“The two units are tasked to secure the whole city in support to the Task Force Bangon Marawi and to clear the few remaining areas of unexploded ordnance,” Madrigal said.
During his visit, a command conference with the officials of 103 Infantry Brigade led by its commander, Col. Romeo Brawner, and 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade headed by Brig Gen. Tom Sedano was conducted.
They assures the AFP leadership and the community that every soldier is ready and everything is all set within their respective area of responsibility.
Madrigal also inspected and toured around the camps and talked to the men of the two brigades to boost the morale of the troops on the ground.
“We extend our full support to every soldier currently deployed to conduct vital security services in the City of Marawi and the province of Lanao del Norte and the adjoining towns. The AFP is thankful for your service in this historic city at this critical time when peace through BOL ratification and rehabilitation through Task Force Bangon Marawi is at its most important phase,” he said.
