The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is closely monitoring over 400 areas of concern identified by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) ahead of the May elections.
According to AFP Spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla, military personnel on the ground have begun assisting local police, who are the primary security forces in these areas.
She added that 18,000 soldiers are ready to support the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Comelec to ensure a peaceful and orderly election.
The AFP is also prepared to deploy additional troops in areas requiring heightened security due to intense political rivalries and conflicts.
Comelec data shows that 49 areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) fall under the yellow category.
Meanwhile, 53 areas across Regions 8, 9, 10, 12, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and Caraga are classified under the orange category.
Under the red category, 38 areas are under heightened security watch, including locations in Regions 2, 5, 6, 8, and BARMM.
Comelec’s classification is based on factors such as a history of election-related violence, escalating tensions between political rivals, and other security concerns.
