President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to ensure the “peaceful, credible, and orderly” conduct of the midterm elections.
The President issued his directive to the military during the oath-taking ceremony of the newly promoted generals and flag officers of the AFP and the Foreign Pre-Commission Training Institutions (FPCTI) graduates at Malacañang Palace in Manila.
“Once again, we find ourselves at a critical juncture where we have to preserve not only the integrity of our election but the very ethos of our democracy,” Marcos said in his speech.
“As a nation that deeply values and honors our right to vote, we are counting on the Armed Forces to ensure a peaceful, credible, and orderly conduct of the electoral process that the Filipinos expect from us. We cannot fail them,” he added.
In a Viber message to the DAILY TRIBUNE on Thursday, AFP Spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the military would follow the President’s orders during the elections.
“Recognizing the critical role of the AFP in safeguarding democracy, we stand ready to uphold the integrity of the electoral process, free from threats, intimidation, and violence,” she said.
Padilla noted that the country’s military forces would work closely with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and other concerned agencies “to guarantee that every Filipino can exercise their right to vote in a secure and fair environment.”
“As a professional organization, the AFP remains strictly non-partisan, upholding our loyalty to the Constitution and the Chain of Command. We will not allow ourselves to be used for any political agenda and will remain focused on our sworn duty to serve and protect the Filipino people,” she added.
“We echo the President’s call that we ‘cannot fail’ the Filipino people.”
Padilla also emphasized that the AFP “remains steadfast in its duty to defend democracy, protect the sanctity of the ballot, and maintain stability before, during, and after the elections.”
Since the start of the official campaign period on 12 January, at least 18,000 military personnel have been deployed to assist with election-related concerns.
The AFP supports the Philippine National Police in manning checkpoints and providing security for the transportation of ballots to polling precincts.
Padilla noted that the number of military personnel deployed “for operations and reinforcement” during elections may still increase depending on the needs on the ground.
Meanwhile, Marcos guaranteed that his administration would work with the military to "uphold peace, democracy, and the rule of law."
"As your Commander-in-Chief, I offer you my salute and express my utmost appreciation for all your selfless sacrifices and services, not only to get to this point but throughout your years of duty," Marcos said.
"This, of course, extends to your families and loved ones who have had their fair share of sacrifices to support you in your career," he added.
Moreover, Marcos congratulated the 35 newly promoted AFP generals and flag officers, as well as the nine graduates of Foreign Pre-Commission Training Institutions.
He said their career milestones "testify to the hard work, dedication, and adherence to the fulfillment of your duties as vanguards of our security.”
“As you move forth in your lifelong commitment to the nation, always carry with you the core values of the AFP,” Marcos said.
The President also acknowledged the military’s perseverance in improving the country’s security and implementing reforms to strengthen its organization.
He then praised the courage, dedication, and patriotism of those who have taken on leadership roles in the AFP, saying they deserve the highest recognition and admiration from a proud and grateful nation.
“This milestone in military officers' careers reflects their hard work, commitment, and dedication to fulfilling their sworn duties as protectors of national security,” Marcos said.