AFP to help PNP address poll related violence
With the noted increase in number of election related violent incidents (ERVIs), the Armed Forces of the Philippines with the Philippine National Police, as lead agency and under the supervision of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) jointly undertakes measures to prevent the occurrence of the ERVIs.
The AFP signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of National Defense and the Commission on Elections last year which provides that specific AFP units can be called upon and deputized to address strong armed threats that would hamper and prevent the conduct of a peaceful and orderly election.
Armed Forces of the Philippines, on the other hand, will continue to actively address the threats posed by the New People's Army, secessionist and terrorist groups. AFP units, upon deputation by COMELEC shall make available necessary manpower support to the peacekeeping efforts of the PNP to deter ERVIs.
To ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of the elections, the AFP, PNP and COMELEC jointly calls individuals and groups to abstain from the use of violence in furthering their political ambitions as the AFP and the PNP will be ready to confront them head-on.
(DPAO)