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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider AFP chief commends troops for crucial role in polls

AFP chief commends troops for crucial role in polls

Published May 14, 2025 02:26 pm

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. extended his gratitude to the military personnel who exemplified dedication and professionalism in their duties in support of the recently held midterm elections.

Brawner said that the troops helped in securing polling places, transporting election materials, and protecting citizens in vulnerable areas, ensuring a fair, orderly, and reliable conduct of the polls last May 12.

“As the 2025 National and Local Elections draw to a close, I extend my deepest personal gratitude to all the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines for their dedicated and professional service in support of this important democratic exercise,” the military chief said.

Around 18,000 AFP personnel were deployed nationwide to assist the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies in securing the midterm elections.

“You have once again proven that the AFP remains a steadfast and non-partisan pillar of democracy.”

Brawner also assured the public that the AFP’s role in safeguarding the country’s democratic institutions does not end during elections.

“We remain fully committed to supporting the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), the Philippine National Police, and other agencies as we move forward—protecting the peace, respecting the will of the people, and upholding the rule of law,” he said.

The military chief hopes that the success of the elections will help build a “stronger, more secure, and more democratic Philippines.”

Meanwhile, the AFP said the elections were generally peaceful despite several “isolated” violent incidents.

“Despite isolated incidents, the AFP assesses the overall security situation during the election period as generally peaceful,” military spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said.

Several shooting incidents were recorded on the eve and on the election day itself such as in Silay City, Negros Occidental where two people were killed; in Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan where three people died; in Hadji Mohammad Ajul, Basilan where four persons perished; in Bayang, Lanao del Sur where a local candidate and his brother were gunned down by unknown assailants; and in Bohol where a village councilor died in a gun attack.

Padilla said the prompt and coordinated efforts of military personnel – in close cooperation with the PNP, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) – played a vital role in deterring further threats and sustaining public trust in the electoral process.

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General Romeo Brawner Jr. AFP midterm elections
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