In a resolute declaration, General Romeo Brawner Jr., the head of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), has vowed to ensure the safety and orderliness of the upcoming midterm elections. Speaking at a joint press conference at the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City, Brawner emphasized the military’s dedication to a secure electoral process. He encouraged Filipinos to participate actively in the democratic process by voting for candidates committed to serving the nation and its people.
The press conference, also attended by Commission on Elections (Comelec) chair George Erwin Garcia and PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, served as a platform for the three agencies to reaffirm their commitment to conducting safe and orderly elections across the nation, including the National, Local, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao parliamentary elections scheduled for May. The AFP, PNP, and Comelec are collaborating closely to create a secure voting environment, enabling Filipinos to cast their votes freely and without intimidation.
Brawner highlighted the AFP’s preparedness to deploy personnel and resources for election-related duties, underscoring the significance of the Joint Security Control Centers. These centers are crucial for enhancing coordination among the AFP, PNP, and Comelec, ensuring a seamless and secure electoral process.
Addressing concerns about political instability, Brawner dismissed the notion of a military coup or junta as a solution to societal problems. He stressed the importance of trusting in the democratic process and using the elections as an opportunity for citizens to express their aspirations and concerns. Brawner firmly stated that elections are the key to societal change and progress, urging voters to choose leaders who will address and rectify societal issues.
To further safeguard the integrity of the elections, the AFP has intensified its intelligence gathering efforts. According to AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad, this initiative is aimed at assisting the Comelec in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and protecting national security. The focus is on identifying potential security threats, including foreign interference and malign influence, with any findings being confidentially shared with the Comelec for appropriate action. Trinidad emphasized that the AFP’s role remains strictly non-partisan, with efforts centered on impartiality and respect for the democratic process.