The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) renewed its commitment to ensuring a safe and peaceful voting environment for the upcoming 2026 Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections during a high-level security conference on September 11, 2026.
Military leadership, headed by AFP Chief of Staff General Antonio G. Nafarrete, Philippine Army Commanding General Lieutenant General Donald M. Gumiran, Acting Western Mindanao Command Commander Major General Jose Vladimir R. Cagara, and Acting 6th Infantry Division Commander Brigadier General Ricky P. Bunayog, convened at Camp Siongco to review operational readiness across the region.
Addressing field commanders and military officers, General Nafarrete underscored the armed forces’ duty to enforce Commission on Elections (COMELEC) directives while upholding the democratic rights of both candidates and voters throughout the historic polls.
“Our mission is clear, to ensure a peaceful, orderly, and credible election; ensure the safety of our voters so that they can cast their votes; and prevent any election-related violence,” General Nafarrete said.
The military chief urged all stakeholders to respect the electoral process, stressing the need to shield citizens from threats, voter intimidation, vote-buying, and political violence that could compromise the legitimacy of the outcome.
General Nafarrete added that force deployments and inter-agency coordination mechanisms have been finalized to secure polling sites and transit routes across the autonomous region.
“We assure you that your AFP, especially our military on the ground, will protect your right to vote, ensure that everyone can cast their vote and safeguard your votes,” he added.
During the briefing, operational commanders stationed throughout BARMM presented regional security updates, outlining measures to maintain stability as the region prepares to hold its first-ever parliamentary elections.