Army chief: We protect ballots, not politicians

THE commanding general of the Philippine Army (PA) has warned soldiers from participating in partisan politics, saying those who are caught would face dismissal from service.

Lieutenant General Delfin Bangit outlined the military’s role during elections in a speech marking the 40th founding anniversary of the Fourth Infantry Division (4th ID) Friday.

The Army official said primary to the tasks of government troops was to ensure that “votes are protected by keeping at bay the armed elements whose intention is to destroy the conduct of credible election.”

Bangit said the military should also keep its hands off politicians, pointing out that it was the job of the police to provide security to individuals running in office.

“We will take an active role not in the sense that we are involved in the election process, but in protecting the entire election activity,” the military official said. “Our only participation is to exercise our right of suffrage and nothing more.”

Soldiers, he said, “should vote according to what their conscience dictates and who they think will serve the best interest in the country, regardless of party affiliation.”

Soldiers or their officials found to be “actively involved” in partisan politics will be investigated and punish soldiers, he said.

“Make no mistakes; let us not fail the Filipino citizen especially of their clamor for credible, honest and peaceful elections so we must work very hard to contribute for credible election,” he added.

Bangit said the Philippine Army and Philippine National Police are closely coordinating with the Comelec to ensure that security forces would only “concentrate on securing the public during election.”