Joint Task Force-Central has placed the military in Central and South-Central Mindanao on Red Alert status in preparation for Monday's Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.

Maj. Gen. Alex S. Rillera, commander of JTF-Central and the 6th Infantry Division, said Friday that areas covered by the 601st Brigade, 603rd Brigade, and 1st Mechanized Brigade have been placed on high alert.

Military privileges were also canceled to ensure that there were enough troops to guard security during the elections.

"This is our opportunity to help our countrymen here in Central and South-Central Mindanao achieve a peaceful, orderly and safe election," Rillera said.

Rillera described the elections as "very important in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao" because they are being watched not only by Filipinos but also the world.

He expressed optimism that the elections will be peaceful and credible, saying that the success of the Bangsamoro is the success of the country.

Rillera assured that the army is ready to guard the security of the people in cooperation with other security forces during the conduct of the polls on Monday.

Additional army soldiers have arrived to help secure the elections in the BARMM. They were transported by Philippine Air Force aircraft.

Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido, the commanding general of the Philippine Army, said there is no room for failure and that the local barangay polls will proceed as scheduled.

Galido assured that the military will intensify its security efforts, in collaboration with the Philippine National Police and other government security forces.