Marcos to AFP: We are counting on you to ensure peaceful Eleksyon 2025

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Thursday called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to ensure a peaceful and credible Eleksyon 2025.

The President made the remark during the oath taking ceremony of the newly promoted generals and flag officers of the AFP and the Foreign Pre-Commission Training Institutions (FPCTI) graduates.

"Once again we find ourselves at a critical juncture where we have to preserve not only the integrity of our election, but the very ethos of our democracy," Marcos said in his speech.

"As a nation that deeply values and honors our right to vote, we are counting on the Armed Forces to ensure a peaceful, credible, and orderly conduct of the electoral process that the Filipinos expect from us. We cannot fail them," he added.

The AFP is set to deploy at least 18,000 personnel to secure the upcoming midterm national and local elections. 

Immediate reaction teams will also be on hand to respond to encounters, and ambushes, should the need arise.

The President guaranteed that his administration stands with the military side by side in "upholding peace, democracy, and the rule of law."

"As your Commander-in-Chief, I offer you my salute and express my utmost appreciation to all your selfless sacrifices and services, not only to get to this point but all through the years of your duty," Marcos said.

"This of course extends to your families and loved ones who have had their fair share of sacrifices to support you in your career," he added.

Marcos also congratulated the 35 newly promoted AFP Generals and Flag Officers, as well as the nine graduates of Foreign Pre-Commission Training Institutions.

He said the career milestone "testifies to the hard work, dedication, and adherence to the fulfillment of your duties as vanguards of your security."

"As you move forth with your journey on this lifelong commitment to the nation, carry always with you the core values of the AFP," Marcos said.

The election period started on January 12.

The campaign period for senatorial candidates and party-list groups kicked off on February 11 and will last until May 10. Meanwhile, the campaign period of candidates for the House of Representatives, and provincial, city and municipal posts will be from March 28 to May 10.

Election Day is on May 12, but overseas voters may cast their votes from April 13 to May 12, while local absentee voters may cast their votes from April 28 to 30.

As of February 18, over 1,000 persons have been arrested for violating the election gun ban, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported. — VDV, GMA Integrated News

For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.