SAN JOSE, Antique – The 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army is on full alert as they resume their Internal Peace and Security Operations (IPSO) against the New Peoples’ Army (NPA) and to ensure safe and clean elections.

Capt. Ryan Joseph S. Cayton, deputy chief, 3ID Public Affairs Office, said in a report that aside from resuming IPSO, the army also stepped up their "Bayanihan" program to deliver services in the grassroots.

3ID Commander Major Gen. Jose Mabanta, Jr. directed all field commanders operating in the region to prepare their troops, address enemy actions and at the same time help the local government together with other stakeholders in delivering basic social services for the people.

Mabanta also reminded his troops anew to adhere to existing regulations of the Commission on Elections on firearms control program and ensure an honest, orderly and peaceful conduct of the 2013 elections.

To date, Mabanta said the 3ID conducts regular information, dissemination and awareness to all officers and personnel to ensure proper conduct of checkpoints, implementation of gun and liquor ban are followed.

Through the Regional Joint Security Control Center and the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center, the 3rd Division will give all out support to the Philippine National Police in ensuring a peaceful and clean elections here in the region.*PIA