THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) has expressed its commitment to supporting the Philippine National Police (PNP) in ensuring secure and peaceful elections.
They have deployed troops and are prepared to provide further assistance, especially in remote areas, during the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COC) and the upcoming 2025 midterm elections.
“We have enough personnel to assist the police, but we have not yet determined how many are needed for this aspect. However, we are very committed to assisting, especially in the remote areas that require our soldiers,” said Major Salvacion Evangelista, EastMinCom spokesperson, during the Davao Peace and Security press briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, Oct. 2.
Although the exact number of troops deployed for election-related security is not yet available, Evangelista emphasized their readiness to augment police forces as needed.
“We have enough troops to assist and take a leading role, especially in remote areas,” she added.
“We already have troops deployed in different barangays and are prepared to take the lead in providing security in these areas,” she stated.
Evangelista reiterated the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) dedication to supporting the PNP in all security aspects. “Our soldiers are always ready to support our law enforcers,” she affirmed.
Previously, EastMinCom vowed to provide security assistance for the inaugural Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections in 2025.
EastMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Luis Rex Bergante announced the deployment of personnel to assist in monitoring the elections during a press briefing at NCCC Victoria Plaza Mall on Tuesday, August 13.
Bergante highlighted the Armed Forces’ extensive experience in securing elections, stating they are well-prepared for the task.
While acknowledging some security challenges within the EastMinCom area, he assured that these are minor compared to the complexities of the first BARMM elections.
“Securing our elections is not a new mission for the Armed Forces. While there are some issues in the Eastern Mindanao Command, they are nothing compared to the first elections in BARMM,” the EastMinCom chief said.
He also noted that some forces would be stationed in the neighboring BARMM region due to its proximity.
Regarding private armed groups (PAGs) in EastMinCom’s jurisdiction, Bergante confirmed ongoing monitoring but stated that the number of identified PAGs is relatively small.
Photo courtesy of Rhoda Grace B Saron
