The Philippine Army, as the primary land-based military unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), has deployed 16,489 personnel to support the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in ensuring a secure election period.
As of May 4, 2025, Army Spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said these soldiers are already stationed at 661 AFP-PNP-Comelec checkpoints and 63,663 polling precincts nationwide.
This deployment includes 6,712 Army officers, enlisted personnel, Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) members, and reservists assisting in election checkpoints, while 9,777 personnel are assigned to secure polling centers across the country.
An additional 12,377 Army personnel remain on standby for potential augmentation. These efforts are part of a broader inter-agency initiative aimed at preventing violence, intimidation, and electoral sabotage.
“The Philippine Army has also conducted extensive briefings for all deployed personnel on their legal mandate and the specific guidelines outlined in the approved Philippine Army Guidelines (PAG) based on the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines for the coming elections on May 12,” Dema-ala said.
“Our troops have undergone rigorous orientation on their roles during this critical democratic exercise,” Army Chief Lieutenant Gen. Roy Galido said. “The Philippine Army is steadfastly committed to ensuring free, honest, and orderly elections,” he added.
The Nueva Ecija police received military reinforcements on Saturday to boost security measures across the province for the May 12 elections.
In a send-off ceremony at the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office, Lt. Col. Ryan Joseph Cayton, commander of the Philippine Army’s 70th Infantry Battalion, turned over seven squads, comprising 66 soldiers, to provincial police director Col. Ferdinand Germino.
The troops will serve as augmentation forces, supporting police efforts to maintain peace and order leading up to and during election day. The military presence is intended to provide swift response capabilities in the event of election-related disturbances.
Galido also underscored the Army’s crucial role in safeguarding democratic institutions, particularly in “red areas” identified by Comelec at higher risk for disruptions. The Army’s close coordination with government agencies remains vital to maintaining peace and order during this critical period.