AFP chief Madrigal vows safe BOL plebiscite

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Lieutenant General Benjamin Madrigal Jr. on Tuesday vowed that the upcoming plebiscite on the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law will be conducted peacefully.

"We will fully support the conduct of the plebiscite this month and we will assure that our people will be able to exercise their right to vote," Madrigal said in his speech.

He also said that the troops on the ground will be enough to provide security.

The BOL plebiscite is set to take place on January 21 for voters within the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) areas, Isabela City in Basilan, and Cotabato City.

Those residing in Lanao del Norte except Iligan City, and six North Cotabato municipalities, on the other hand, will vote on February 6.

The AFP chief gave the assurance on the heels of a bombing incident in Cotabato City on December 31.

Authorities were not discounting the possibility that aside from a terror attack, the blast might also be linked to the looming referendum.

Despite the incident, the Commission on Elections said that the plebiscite in Cotabato City will push through.

The Palace has also advised the public to refrain from making speculations on the incident.

Madrigal said that aside from the goal of ensuring that the BOL will be successfully implemented in the region, "terrorist cells" must be eradicated.

To achieve this, efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism shall be undertaken by the military hand in hand with other government agencies, as well as the Muslim community, he added.

Moreover, Madrigal underscored that the Armed Forces aims to win the fight against the communist rebels this year.

"Let me remind everyone that our endstate for 2019 is to achieve the president's desire to ultimately win the peace, and finally put an end to local communist armed conflict," he said. — Dona Magsino/BM, GMA News