LIEUTENANT General Antonio Nafarretes, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), reaffirmed the military's strong commitment to a peaceful and credible election, as he attended the Candidate Forum and Peace Covenant Signing for the 2025 midterm elections.
The signing was done at Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, on Tuesday, April 15.
The forum brought together key political stakeholders and candidates including representatives, governors, vice governors, and mayors of Lanao del Sur, who collectively pledged their commitment to uphold peace, integrity, and respect throughout the election period.
A solemn oath was taken as political aspirants swore their commitment to a peaceful campaign and honest election on the Holy Quran-a symbolic gesture underscoring the gravity of their responsibility.
Nafarrete stressed Westmincom's dedication to securing the electoral process, especially in conflict-sensitive areas.
"I personally attend this forum to show my personal commitment and support for peaceful and secured elections. I wanted to see each of the participant making their oath and commitment to do the same over the Holy Qouran," Nafarrete said.
"As the people cast their votes, we will stand watch, as silent sentinels of freedom, ready to respond wherever duty calls. Together, let us protect the integrity of the National and Local Election 2025 and help shape a peaceful and hopeful future for all Filipinos," he added.
He also reiterated Westmincom's focus on Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao provinces due to the presence of multiple "red areas"-zones identified with a high potential for election-related violence and disruptions.
Current security reports cited 20 red category areas in Lanao del Sur and nine in Maguindanao del Sur necessitating focused military and police coordination in these election areas of grave concern.
The forum served as a platform not only for dialogue and collaboration but also for reaffirming a collective pledge to uphold peace, order, and the sanctity of the electoral process in one of the most politically sensitive regions of the country. (SunStar Zamboanga)