Maguindanao del Sur: Military and election officials are ramping up coordination with key stakeholders to ensure peaceful and orderly elections in areas of concern in Maguindanao del Sur, an Army official said Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade (601Bde), emphasized the need for synchronized efforts among government agencies, security forces, and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to secure the May 12 midterm polls. "Coordination is essential to maintain order and protect the integrity of the elections," Catu stated.

The 601Bde's area of responsibility includes six municipalities in Maguindanao del Sur-Shariff Aguak, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Mamasapano, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Ampatuan, and Datu Abdullah Sangki-as well as Esperanza, Isulan, and Bagumbayan in Sultan Kudarat province. On Wednesday, Catu led military representatives at a Joint Security Control Center (JSCC) coordinating conference held at the Army's 90th Infantry Battalion (90IB) headquarters in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur. The meeting brought together Comelec officials, police, local authorities, and candidates to foster consensus on maintaining a secure electoral process.

"Our primary mission is to protect the electorate and the sanctity of ballots," Catu said. Lt. Col. Loqui Marco, commanding officer of the 90IB, and Col. Ryan Bobby Palomo, Maguindanao Sur police director, were among those present. Candidates from various localities also joined the discussions.

During the meeting, officials outlined mechanisms for real-time communication and rapid response to potential security threats before, during, and after election day. Comelec urged election officers to promptly alert the JSCC regarding any incidents that could disrupt the voting process in their areas. The 90IB's security initiative focuses on ensuring that voters can freely and safely choose their leaders without fear of intimidation or violence.