The Armed Forces of the Philippines is planning to check the background of candidates for the midterm polls.
“If we see red flags, we will report this to the Commission on Elections (Comelec),” AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner said.
“One of the things that the AFP is looking into now is through our intelligence operations, we are looking into the candidates, all the candidates. We are looking into their backgrounds,” he added.
Brawner said the AFP is also addressing concerns surrounding private armed groups, “peace spoilers,” and other “threats.”
AFP Public Affairs Office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the military is intensifying its intelligence gathering to help the Comelec ensure the integrity of the electoral process and safeguard national security.
He said the initiative is conducted in coordination with the Comelec and the Philippines National Police and focuses on identifying potential security threats arising from foreign interference.
Brawner, meanwhile, rejected the idea of a military takeover in politics, saying it is not a solution to societal problems as he stressed the importance of protecting democratic values by ensuring the integrity of elections.
The AFP chief also emphasized the elections offer an opportunity for citizens to voice their concerns through their votes, encouraging them to choose leaders who will work to solve social problems.
In a related development, the Comelec reminded the public of the implementation of the nationwide gun ban starting January 12, in connection with the election period for the May 2025 midterm elections.
Poll chairman George Garcia said the gun ban would kick off at midnight of January 12, with heightened security protocols set to be implemented.
The ban on appointments, suspensions, and transfers in public office will also take effect.
Garcia clarified that having a license to carry firearms does not automatically exempt an individual from the ban. The poll body also reminded the public to be aware of gun ban checkpoints that would be set up in strategic areas.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “AFP boosts intel operations to support Comelec in 2025 polls.”