Standing guard for democracy and a peaceful, fair election

As May 12 draws near, many Filipinos are rightfully asking: Can we count on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to stay neutral? Will our soldiers safeguard the sanctity of our vote? To these important questions, I give you my word: Yes. Absolutely.

I understand these concerns because trust is the foundation of any democracy. When the future of our nation is at stake, it’s only natural for our kababayans to seek assurance that their voices will be heard and their choices respected.

Every election is a turning point. Through the ballot, we shape the kind of tomorrow we want for the next generation—who will lead us, what values we uphold, and how we move forward as one Philippines.

That’s why the AFP stands firm and ready in its nonpartisan role this election season. Let me be unequivocal: The AFP’s duty is not to any candidate or political party but to the Constitution and the Filipino people.

As Chief of Staff, I have made it clear to every soldier—from generals down to the newest private—that we are guardians of peace, not players in politics.

Now more than ever, we know how significant our role is as protectors of the land—to ensure a safe, fair, and orderly environment where every Filipino can vote freely, without fear, pressure, or violence.

To make this happen, we have mobilized in full force. As of May 4, our primary land-based unit, the Philippine Army, has already deployed some 16,500 personnel to aid the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) across the country. Of this number, over 6,700 are army officers, reservists, and Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit members manning 661 Comelec-AFP-PNP checkpoints nationwide. Almost 10,000 troops are also securing more than 63,000 polling precincts. We are not stopping there—we have around 12,400 more personnel on standby, ready to respond wherever and whenever needed.

In election hotspot areas, such as parts of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), we have sent in additional battalions to prevent threats or intimidation. Our soldiers have undergone intensive legal and ethical briefings aligned with the Omnibus Election Code and the Philippine Army Guidelines, reminding them of their sworn duty to serve without bias.

But more than boots on the ground, beyond our physical deployments, this mission is about earning the trust and confidence of our people. As peacemakers, we in the AFP are committed not only to defending our borders but also to upholding the democratic spirit that defines our nation. We are here to keep the peace, build trust, and assure every Filipino that their vote matters and will be counted.

The election determines the kind of leadership we will have—and the kind of country we want to become. That’s why we, your Armed Forces, will protect it with everything we have.

We do this not only as soldiers but as fellow Filipinos—sons and daughters of this land. Many of us are voters too. We are fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, community leaders, and public servants. We fight not for power but for peace; not for position but for the people we swore to serve.

To our fellow citizens: vote with courage and conviction. While you do, know that the AFP is with you every step of the way—standing guard with integrity, discipline, and deep love for country.

This is our duty and our promise to you.

This is The General Idea.