Manila, May 10 -- Additional troops were sent here for deployment as security measures in Central Mindanao intensified in preparation for the May 12 national and local polls.

In a statement Saturday, Maj. Gen. Donald Gumiran, commander of the Army's 6th Infantry Division (6ID), said a contingent from the 53rd Division Reconnaissance Company (53rd DRC) arrived Friday afternoon at the Tactical Operations Group headquarters aboard a Philippine Air Force C-130 aircraft. "

These elite troops are being deployed to reinforce the operational strength of the 90th Infantry Battalion, which is currently responsible for ensuring security in key areas within the 6ID's area of responsibility (AOR)," Gumiran said.

The 53rd DRC consists of about 500 ...