ZAMBOANGA CITY ? The Army has sent more troops from Luzon to Lanao del Sur province where 20 areas are potential hotspots by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the May midterm polls.

The additional troops deployed on Tuesday to the Bangsamoro province of Lanao del Sur are the 23rd Division Reconnaissance Company from the 2nd Infantry Division and the 72rd Division Reconnaissance Company from the 7th Infantry Division.

Maj. Gen. Yegor Rey Baroquillo Jr., Joint Task Force (JTF)-ZamPeLan head, said the units will conduct area assessments, securing key locations, and providing rapid response capabilities as needed.

“We will continue to work closely with local government units, the Comelec, and law enforcement agencies to ensure a peaceful, honest, and credible electoral process,” Baroquillo said. DMS