Brawner to Army troops: Stay non-partisan, also on social media

Army chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. directed soldiers to stay non-partisan in both personal acts and on social media, especially now that the election period has started.

Soldiers should “maintain a non-partisan stance on issues that are politically controversial, and lean toward electoral candidates and political parties engaged in the elections,” Brawner said.

They should also “avoid posting, liking, sharing, and commenting on posts that are politically motivated, controversial, and fraudulent,” he said.

Brawner also called on troops to comply with the gun ban, which authorities started enforcing on Sunday and will continue to do so until June 8.

Soldiers are only allowed to carry and possess firearms while performing official duties during the 150-day election period, he said.

“Practice your right of suffrage and make sure that the coming elections will be peaceful and orderly. Troops who will perform poll duties are highly encouraged to avail of local absentee voting,” he told troops.

Major units of the Army on Sunday deployed troops to assist police in manning checkpoints nationwide to maintain peace and order for the upcoming elections.