LEGAZPI CITY: The composite forces of the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Fire Protection deployed more than 18,000 troops across the Bicol Region to ensure the safe, honest and peaceful Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on October 30 here.

BGen. Westrimundo Obinque, PNP Bicol regional director, said that 18,456 strong government forces will be deployed in six provinces of Bicol to help the Commission on Elections (Comelec) conduct BSKE polls.