- EastMinCom activates Election Duty Contingency Force
THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) formally activated its Election Duty Contingency Force on May 9 in Panacan, Davao City to bolster the security for the national and local polls.
The EastMinCom said the augmentation force is trained to swiftly address election-related incidents as the command is on heightened alert status.
LtGen. Luis Rex D. Bergante, said the rapid response unit comprises three platoons from EastMinCom and two platoons each from the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao and the Tactical Operations Wing—Eastern Mindanao, augmenting the nearly 10,000 troops already deployed in their joint operational area.
The force will support security operations in designated election areas of immediate concern, providing swift assistance for any election-related incidents, without sacrificing primary defense missions.
In his address, Bergante emphasized the military’s vital role in upholding the integrity of the 2025 National and Local Elections.
He reminded the troops of their commitment to remain nonpartisan, ensuring an honest, orderly, and peaceful electoral process as part of their sworn duty to the nation.
“While our duty is to secure voters, polling inspectors, and precincts to ensure a safe and credible conduct of the elections, we must also uphold political neutrality in the performance of our mandate. Wala tayo dapat na kinikilingan kundi ang taumbayan. No AFP personnel can be involved in partisan politics. Remember, our loyalty is to our constitution. Thus, we must perform our task with utmost integrity, impartiality, and professionalism,” LtGen. Bergante said.
Meanwhile, the Davao City Police Office is also in full alert status from May 3 until May 15, 2025 for the 2025 National and Local elections.
Photo courtesy of EastMinCom
