The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has assured the public of its readiness to help secure the upcoming elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), emphasizing close coordination with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and local stakeholders.
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said during a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing that the military’s role will focus on supporting the PNP, which has primary responsibility for election security.
The AFP’s tasks include providing perimeter defense, transporting ballots, setting up checkpoints, and deploying rapid response teams. A Joint Operations Center has also been established to strengthen coordination with Comelec, PNP, and other agencies.
Padilla confirmed that certain areas in BARMM have been identified as high-risk, based on historical data and current threat assessments. She assured that sufficient security measures and personnel have been deployed in those areas.
She stressed that election security is a “community effort” and said the AFP is working with local government units, peace committees, and leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to help ensure peaceful polls.
