MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has yet to
detect any security threat in connection with the conduct of the Barangay and
Sangguniang Kabataan elections on May 14.
"We have not monitored any current threat to the election or the
preparations to it, but continuous security measures are being undertaken to
thwart any possible actions from usual peace spoilers, armed groups and
terrorist elements that might take advantage of the situation," AFP
spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bienvenido Datuin said in a text message Monday.
However, he said the AFP, in support of the Philippine National Police
(PNP), will conduct appropriate measures to secure the upcoming polls.
"Joint AFP-PNP troops will be deployed to man checkpoints in
different areas to provide assistance to civilians, deter and prevent any move
of interest groups that might be inimical to good order; and protect the
general populace," he added.
Datuin earlier said AFP personnel can be deputized to set up
checkpoints and monitor cities and municipalities to curb security threats and
election-related violence.
During the May 2016 national elections, the AFP launched its National
Election Monitoring Center (NEMC) which utilized information-related
capabilities to monitor the preparations for, and the actual conduct of
elections and the canvassing process.
It also monitored election-related violence especially in identified
election watch areas and provided necessary data for decision-making and
execution of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and its deputized agencies.
Consolidated efforts of the AFP to secure the elections were coursed
through its Unified Commands and the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region.
Operations related to the security of the election were also done in
coordination with the Joint Security Coordination Centers at the regional,
provincial, and independent city levels.
On Saturday, the Comelec started accepting certificates of candidacy of
persons vying for elective barangay posts. (PNA)
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