‘Reconsider security detail for ARMM bets’

MANILA, Philippines - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to allow police and military security for candidates in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

In a letter to Comelec Commissioner Elias Yusoph, lawyer Rey Sumalipao, Comelec regional director for ARMM, said the Armed Forces, Philippine National Police and Department of Education have agreed that escorts should not only be provided to incumbent congressmen and governors.

Sumalipao said the three parties, particularly Lt. Gen. Rey Ardo, commanding general of the Western Mindanao Command, agreed that mayoral bets in the ARMM, including candidates for other regional positions, should be secured as well.

He asked the Comelec to reconsider a provision in its Resolution 9561-A that contains policies on the gun ban and security deployment.