The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) yesterday assured that enough personnel would be on hand to guard next week’s midterm elections.
Around 30,000 to 40,000 soldiers will be sent off today in ceremonies at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. The deployment will be led by Armed Forces chief Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde and Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Sheriff Abas.
The send-off rites will also include PNP personnel and the turnover of resources from the Department of Education, Department of Health, Philippine National Red Cross, Department of Energy, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting and the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections.
Col. Noel Detoyato, military public affairs chief, said security preparations would prevent untoward incidents during the May 13 polls.
“There are enough safeguards issued by Comelec and specific instructions issued by the service commanders and General Benjamin Madrigal Jr,” Detoyato said.
“With the AFP and PNP’s full support to Comelec, we are confident that… we are more than prepared for the conduct of the midterm elections. While these preparations are being undertaken, our primary task of counter-insurgency operations is also ongoing,” he added.
AFP troops, in particular, will support PNP contingents deployed to “hotspot” areas.