The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has stepped up intelligence monitoring as part of heightened security measures to ensure peaceful and orderly parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on September 14.
Speaking at a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla confirmed that security forces are actively evaluating potential threats and monitoring groups that could attempt to undermine the regional polls.
“What we are doing is we are continuously having our security assessments, intelligence monitoring and close coordination with Comelec (Commission on Elections), the PNP and other stakeholders,” Padilla said. “We are looking at all possible vectors and risk factors in the area.”
Padilla stressed that military deployments and strategies will remain flexible to address dynamic conditions on the ground.
“So as the elections approach, we will continuously adjust our security preparations based on what is happening in different areas,” she said, noting that the AFP is maintaining readiness to support lead civil agencies in delivering a peaceful and credible electoral process.
According to Padilla, the military’s overarching mandate is to mitigate potential violence, protect local communities, and foster a safe environment where Bangsamoro voters can freely exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation.
With security measures expanding across the region, field commanders have been instructed to execute their duties strictly within the bounds of military professionalism.
“At the ground level, all our commanders have been directed to remain responsive and prepared while observing professionalism, restraint, and respect for democratic processes,” Padilla added.