MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) assured candidates in Lanao del Sur of their impartiality and non-partisanship in the 2025 national and local elections.
Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), emphasized that the AFP will adhere to its core values. “We will always follow the values of professionalism, integrity, and impartiality. Kung mayroon man incidents, I assure you that we will not be just watchers but we will take action,” he said.
He added that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the AFP and PNP to ensure honest and orderly elections.
“Our forces are ready to secure the polling places, provide security for election-related activities, and respond to threats against the electoral process,” Nafarrete said.
PBGen. Romeo Macapaz, director of the Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), affirmed the PNP’s non-partisan stance. He said the police in the Bangsamoro region continue to follow the directive of the PNP Chief to maintain professionalism and integrity.
“We are apolitical. We uphold professionalism and integrity,” Macapaz stated.
The AFP and PNP continue to strengthen their preparations for a secure election in the province. Macapaz said weekly assessments with the AFP and the Commission on Elections are undertaken to monitor the security situation and adjustments of threat levels. Currently, 20 localities in the province are classified under the red category.
He added that a Special Action Force unit is set for deployment to the province, with additional personnel on standby as reserve Special Electoral Boards (SEBs), if needed.
For the Army, Nafarrete said the AFP will send more troops to reinforce the 103rd Infantry Brigade and support the three Division Reconnaissance Companies deployed in the area. (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)
