The Philippine Army said it will strictly enforce “appropriate disciplinary actions” against soldiers found guilty of moonlighting as private armies for candidates during the campaign period for the 2025 midterm elections.

Army Chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido made the stern warning as he provided the military’s initial assessment of the campaign period.

“The first thing, when you identify one, inform us. Immediately, we will implement disciplinary action and appropriate measures,” Galido said on Tuesday.

Galido warned that disciplinary actions might include dismissal from service.

“We need to be informed that there's a violation, and we will relay this. If the violation pertains to another agency's law enforcement action, we will support the implementation of that law,” he said.

“If it pertains to the army or concerns the army, rest assured that appropriate disciplinary action will be implemented,” he added.

Galido also cautioned soldiers about the stricter procedures under military law.

“Take note that military law is very harsh. It is not subjected to the rules of court, and it's a different mechanism. That’s why most wouldn’t want to be under military rule,” he said.

He urged army troops to “display the highest level of discipline and commitment to serve.”

“I’m sure you also want a very professional army, and it’s only through instilling proper discipline and enforcing the law on violators that you'll be confident your army is dependable,” Galido said.

The Army alone has initially deployed 9,000 personnel to serve during the elections, in addition to the deployment of personnel from the two other major services in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The AFP has previously announced the initial deployment of 18,000 troops for the upcoming election.

An AFP spokesperson said more troops will be deployed soon, depending on the requirements of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

The Philippine Air Force and the Philippine Navy will also assist in the nationwide delivery of ballots.

Meanwhile, Galido said the preparations for the election on 12 May 2025, are “going well so far.”

“Everything is going smoothly. We’re establishing a good working relationship with the PNP and other stakeholders of the elections,” he said.

He also stated that violations will be addressed accordingly based on the Comelec election rules.