AFP, PNP deputized for Bangsamoro plebiscite

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) have been deputized to ensure an orderly and peaceful plebiscite on the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) and the midterm elections next year.

AFP chief Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde and officials of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) signed a memorandum of agreement on the deputization on Friday.

The move aims to address security concerns during the political exercises, particularly in conflict-stricken areas in Mindanao.

The presence of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, private armies and terrorist groups, such as the Abu Sayyaf and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), tops the list of security concerns of  law enforcers.

Authorities said the BIFF and Abu Sayyaf are considered threats to the Bangsamoro plebiscite because they oppose the BOL.

The NPA has been capitalizing on elections for its fund-raising campaign  by collecting so-called permits to campaign and campaign to win fees from candidates.

The plebiscite is set on Jan. 21.

The BOL will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with an expanded Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.