Tight security measures are in place in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, as voters participate in the first BARMM Parliamentary Elections on Monday, September 14. The town is classified under the red category of election areas of concern. However, Election Officer Atty. Maadz Ali and the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office said no tensions, commotions, or violence have been reported so far as voting continues. Hernel Tocmo
MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said it will maintain its security presence in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) beyond election day, as authorities prepare for possible security challenges during the counting, proclamation and post-election period.
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the military is prepared to respond to validated security requirements, and will continue coordinating with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Philippine National Police (PNP), and other concerned agencies.
The AFP was asked about the possibility of conflict if losing candidates or their supporters refuse to accept the election results.
Padilla declined to speculate but said the military has been preparing for possible security contingencies.
“Ang inyong AFP, malawak ang latag natin diyan. We have different divisions in the area—from the 1st, 4th and 6th IDs [infantry divisions] na nandun sa frontlines; 10th ID is also in the area. We will continue to perform our mandate accordingly.”
According to Padilla, the military’s “overarching mission” is to protect voters, prevent election-related violence, and help ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.
AFP MONITORING POSSIBLE FOREIGN INTERFERENCE
The AFP is also monitoring the information environment surrounding the BARMM elections, including the proliferation of fake news and possible foreign interference and malign influence (FIMI).
Padilla said the military is looking at the possible effects of FIMI not only on the BARMM but also on other national security issues.
“Lahat naman ito ay lagi nating inoobserbahan at inaaksyunan. With the different challenges that we are facing, especially in the use of social media, talaga pong ang proliferation ng fake news ay nandiyan—not just in different fronts but, of course, dahil nga monumental itong BARMM, titingnan natin kung meron din po diyan,” the official said.
Asked whether the AFP believes foreign actors are attempting to influence public perception of the BARMM elections, Padilla answered: “Possibly, yes.”
She emphasized that the security sector must remain vigilant and anticipate possible threats from different fronts.
“Sa security, there should be a sense of parang paranoia. You are an effective security if you will have a sense of paranoia that you will be looking forward into—na may maaring mangyari in different fronts—because you know how to react,” Padilla stressed.
“We look at all the issues and we are leaving no stone unturned,” she further said.
AFP CALLS FOR RESPECT FOR ELECTORAL PROCESS
As the election moves toward the counting and proclamation of winners, Padilla appealed to all BARMM stakeholders—including those who may not win—to respect the electoral process.
The official also thanked those who participated in the polls and exercised their constitutional right to vote.
“Itong election na ito ay historic. This is not just [being observed] within our country, the Philippines, but also internationally, tinitingna po ito because even the United Nations has their eyes set on us dahil ito po ay something that is a very good practice in terms of our peace process,” Padilla said.
“Hinihikayat po natin ang ating mga kababayan na pahalagahan po natin itong electoral process na nangyari,” she added.
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