Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has instructed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to guarantee the security and credibility of the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections, calling it milestone in the democratic journey of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Teodoro issued the directive during a command conference on Saturday, September 6, at the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division headquarters in Camp Siongco, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.
6ID and Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) Commander Major Gen. Donald Gumiran, along with other senior officers and enlisted personnel, welcomed the visiting defense chief.
Teodoro emphasized the need for non-partisanship, urging the military to ensure that the elections proceed free from political interference. “The voice of the people must be heard peacefully and credibly,” he said.
Gumiran assured Teodoro of the 6ID and JTFC’s readiness to carry out the directive, vowing to protect the Bangsamoro people’s right to choose their leaders in a secure environment.
Apart from election preparations, Teodoro also announced ongoing initiatives to review and revise the military pension law, which he said would improve the welfare of soldiers and their families.
Joining Teodoro in the visit were AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, Western Mindanao Command Acting Commander Brig. Gen. Romulo Quemado II, and 1st Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Yegor Rey Barroquillo Jr.
The conference highlighted both the military’s election readiness and the government’s commitment to supporting troops as they safeguard peace and stability in BARMM.
“The visit and command conference not only reinforced directives for election preparedness, but also inspired troops with the assurance of full government support as they play a vital role in securing peace and progress in BARMM,” the Kampilan Division said.
