ZAMBOANGA CITY, 7 April 2007 — The military yesterday warned politicians against using violence in the May polls, saying, security forces are ready to confront them to ensure peace and honest elections.
Citing an agreement the Department of National Defense signed last year with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), military officials said that soldiers would be used to ensure elections are not hampered by the presence of rebels and terrorists in areas where they are actively operating.
Officials said troops would help police forces to maintain peace and order following the spate of election-related violence in the country the past months.
“The AFP continues to actively address the threats pose by the New People’s Army, the secessionist and terrorist groups. The AFP units, once deputized (by the COMELEC), shall make available necessary manpower to support to the peacekeeping efforts of the Philippine National Police to deter election-related violent incidents and ensure peaceful and orderly elections,” said Maj. Eugene Batara, a regional army spokesman.
“The AFP, PNP and COMELEC jointly call on individuals and groups to abstain from the use of violence in furthering their political ambitions as the military and police authorities will be ready to confront them head-on,” he said.
