FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – The Philippine Army has deployed 16,489 personnel across the country in preparation for the May 12 midterm elections. Troops are stationed at 661 AFP-PNP-Comelec checkpoints and 63,663 polling precincts to support efforts in ensuring secure and orderly polls.
Of the deployed personnel, 6,712 are assigned to election checkpoints while 9,777 are securing polling centers. Another 12,377 are on standby for possible augmentation. The Army is working closely with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to prevent violence and intimidation, particularly in election “red areas.”
“Our troops have undergone rigorous orientation on their roles during this critical democratic exercise,” said Army chief Lieutenant General Roy M. Galido. “The Philippine Army is steadfastly committed to ensuring free, honest, and orderly elections,” he added.
All deployed personnel have been briefed on their legal mandate based on the Omnibus Election Code and the Philippine Army Guidelines (PAG).