AFP enhances security in ARMM voters registration

MANILA, Philippines—The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assured the public Tuesday that they have strengthened and enhanced security in the 10-day long voters registration in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) after several incidents of violence occurred in the past week.

“We have strengthened and enhanced our security in coordination with Philippine National Police (PNP),” AFP Spokesman Colonel Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos told reporters in a press briefing.

Troops from the military are ready to be deployed should the PNP request for additional security augmentation, Burgos said.

In the past week, a registrant in Lumbaca-Unayan in Lanao del Sur was killed after being shot by an unidentified person Thursday and on Monday a Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) volunteer was attacked by supporters of a local official in Parang town.

No alert level has been raised, Burgos said. “The raising of alert level will always depend on the area commander, depending on their assessment of the security situation,” he added.

There was also no need to bring in additional troops from the national level. “Its just a matter of redeployment,” Burgos said. The area commander will simply concentrate the troops where they are needed, he added.

Acting ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman had earlier stated that the registration was generally going smoothly despite reports of violence in some areas.

“We would like to assure the public that the AFP, in coordination and in support of the PNP,  will be fulfilling its mission in assisting the PNP in terms of maintaining peace and order,” Burgos said.

The last day of the voter registration ends on Wednesday July 18.