The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has called for the disbandment of private armies before the 2025 election campaign period, citing threats to poll officials and the integrity of the elections.
Amid rising threats against poll officials, the Commission on Elections ( Comelec ) has urged the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to dismantle private armies before the campaign period for the 2025 elections begins. Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia reiterated the call on Monday, warning that the existence of private armed groups poses a significant risk to the integrity of the elections and the safety of poll workers.
“I am once again calling on the DILG and PNP to dismantle private armies before the campaign period begins in February, especially before March 28, when the campaign period for local positions officially starts,” Garcia said in Filipino. “We cannot ensure peaceful and orderly elections if private armies are allowed to be used by some to intimidate, terrorize, and undermine the decisions and mandate of the people,” he added. Garcia’s statement followed the ambush of Sulu provincial election supervisor Vidzfar Julie and his brother over the weekend in Zamboanga del Norte. While Julie survived the attack, his brother succumbed to fatal gunshot wounds.He said some sitting politicians feel that Comelec is favoring their opponents when the commission denies requests for “favors,” like transferring polling precincts or giving out voter lists with photos. “In reality, Comelec cannot grant these favors. Our duty is ministerial,” Garcia explained.This ambush marks the third attack on election officials in recent months, following the killings of poll workers in Lanao del Norte and Sultan Kudarat
Private Armies Election Security Comelec Philippines 2025 Elections
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Voter education campaign for Eleksyon 2025 to start in December —ComelecLatest Philippine news from GMA News and 24 Oras. News, weather updates and livestreaming on Philippine politics, regions, showbiz, lifestyle, science and tech.
Read more »
Comelec eyes mock elections by January 2025Latest Philippine news from GMA News and 24 Oras. News, weather updates and livestreaming on Philippine politics, regions, showbiz, lifestyle, science and tech.
Read more »
Caloocan Representative Files Motion for Reconsideration After Comelec Disqualifies Him for 2025 ElectionsCaloocan Representative Edgar Erice plans to file a motion for reconsideration after being disqualified by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) from the 2025 elections for allegedly spreading false information about the elections. Erice denies the allegations.
Read more »
Comelec Eyes Annulment of Voters' List After 2025 ElectionsThe Commission on Elections (Comelec) is considering the annulment of the voters' list post-2025 May elections, aiming for a new re-registration process to verify the true number of voters and eliminate concerns of inflated voter lists.
Read more »
Comelec receives 110,620 ACMs for 2025 pollsAll 110,620 Automated Counting Machines (ACMs) to be used in the May 2025 National and Local Elections has been delivered to the Commission on Election (Comelec).
Read more »
Comelec Warns 300,000 'Flying Voters' Ahead of 2025 ElectionsThe Commission on Elections (Comelec) has identified around 300,000 'flying voters' who have multiple voter registrations. These individuals could face charges if they vote in the May 2025 midterm elections. The poll body plans to file cases against those involved in issuing questionable barangay certificates.
Read more »