PH Army chief to troops: Suppress threats to 1st BARMM polls
In a statement on Wednesday, the Philippine Army said Nafarrete gave the order during his visit to the 6th Infantry "Kampilan" Division headquarters at Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.
'Our objective is singular: That is to secure the elections, suppress threats, and maintain peace. To all personnel, remember that we remain non-partisan at all times,' Nafarrete addressed the soldiers.
'As we prepare for the upcoming BARMM elections, let us exert every effort to ensure that this historic exercise remains peaceful, fair and fully compliant with our existing laws and regulations,' he added.
Aside from the 6th, the Army's 1st and 11th Infantry Divisions have been designated to secure the BARMM polls in the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur and Tawi-Tawi, as well as Cotabato City.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has declared the election period and gun ban in BARMM from August 14 to October 28.
Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. joined Nafarrete at Camp Siongco and Western Mindanao Command headquarters Camp General Basilio Navarro in Zamboanga City.
Brawner stressed the AFP's crucial responsibility in ensuring an orderly and peaceful electoral process.
'We must prepare ourselves for any eventualities,' Brawner said.
'We are one of the few institutions trusted by the Filipino people to keep our country stable. We must not be shaken—we should remain solid and professional in fulfilling our duty,' he added.
On Sunday, the Comelec said the poll body is now 90% to 95% ready for the 2025 BARMM elections.
Comelec chairperson George Garcia estimated about 2.3 million people will cast their votes during the BARMM polls. — Joviland Rita/RF, GMA Integrated News
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