The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said it remains on “high alert” in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) until after the region’s first parliamentary elections and the proclamation of the winners.

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, speaking at a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, said the military would take its cue from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) on when to scale down its security posture.

“We have been deploying our troops mula nung simula, from the preparation hanggang sa fully ma-implement ito hanggang sa dulo. So, we'll also take the cue from the COMELEC kung kailan po tayo bibitaw,” Padilla said.

She said the AFP deployed troops to support COMELEC, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other authorities in ensuring the safety of voters and the peaceful conduct of the polls.

“We were there during the elections to support the COMELEC, the PNP and other concerned authorities para ma-insure natin itong safety ng ating mga botante and the peaceful conduct of the polls. So, we will remain to be there after the elections,” she said.

Padilla said the military is prepared to respond to validated security requirements and help maintain peace and stability in BARMM communities.

“Throughout all of this process, yung posture po ng AFP remains the same: professional, impartial, and politically neutral,” she said.

“The election may be over, but ito pong commitment natin sa ating mga kababayan, especially po diyan sa BARMM, patuloy po ito. So, our job is to help protect the gains of the democratic process and support a peaceful transition beyond election day,” she added.

Asked about the AFP’s preparations in case losing candidates refuse to concede, Padilla said the military’s “overarching mission” remains to ensure a peaceful, orderly and credible election, protect voters, and prevent election-related violence.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines will protect the right of every voter to freely cast their vote and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process,” Padilla said.

She urged voters and other stakeholders to remain vigilant against vote-buying, intimidation, threats and other forms of undue influence.

Padilla said the AFP had also provided security during the transport of ballots and established checkpoints as part of its election security operations.

She said troops had been reminded to remain professional, impartial and disciplined in carrying out their duties.

“We are confident po na itong historic elections na ito na naganap would be successfully secured through the unified efforts of the AFP, the PNP, overall under the umbrella of the COMELEC and other stakeholders,” Padilla said.