Military forces will remain stationed across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to safeguard post-election operations, including ballot tabulation, following the September 14 parliamentary vote.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla stated that troops will stay vigilant against potential security risks and will delay any drawdown until authorized by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
Padilla described the voting process as overall calm, though military authorities are currently validating reports of isolated explosions and gunfire.
“Overall, COMELEC is our head here. Of course, we are supporting COMELEC in this and, based on their pronouncement, we support such pronouncement. This was generally a peaceful election that was conducted,” Padilla said Tuesday, September 15.
Approximately 11,000 military personnel were dispatched to the region leading up to the polls. Padilla emphasized that security responsibilities extend past election day until official electoral duties conclude.
“Our responsibility does not end when the polls close,” Padilla said.
“We were there before the elections to help prepare and secure the environment. We were there during the elections to support Comelec, the PNP, and other concerned authorities to ensure the safety of our voters and the peaceful conduct of the polls,” she added.
Key units involved in the ongoing security detail include the 1st, 4th, 6th, and 10th Infantry Divisions, working in tandem with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and COMELEC during the post-poll phase.