The Philippine Army, as the main force provider to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to support the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Commission on Elections (Comelec), deployed 16,489 personnel in 661 AFP-PNP-Comelec checkpoints and 63,663 polling precincts across the country as of May 4, 2025.
A total of 6,712 Army officers, enlisted personnel, CAA members, and reservists are deployed to assist in election checkpoints, while 9,777 Army personnel are deployed to secure polling centers nationwide. Moreover, 12,377 Army personnel are placed on standby alert for possible augmentation. The deployment of Army personnel is part of the wider inter-agency coordination among the AFP, Comelec, and PNP to preempt and neutralize any threats of violence, intimidation, or electoral sabotage.
The Philippine Army has also conducted extensive briefings for all deployed personnel on their legal mandate and the specific guidelines outlined in the approved Philippine Army Guidelines (PAG) based on the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines for the coming elections on May 12. “Our troops have undergone rigorous orientation on their roles during this critical democratic exercise,” Army Chief Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido remarked. “The Philippine Army is steadfastly committed to ensuring free, honest, and orderly elections,” he added.
The Philippine Army, in close coordination with various government agencies, plays an indispensable role in safeguarding our democratic institutions especially in “red areas” declared by the Comelec, Lt. Gen. Galido emphasized.
Photos from Philippine Army Major Units (PAMUs)
