Manila, Feb. 27 -- Former Senator Panfilo Lacson has proposed replacing the security escorts of candidates in Maguindanao with Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel to curb rising election-related violence in the region.

"Beyond the usual reactive investigation of election-related violence in Maguindanao, the government may consider replacing all the security escorts of the opposing candidates with AFP personnel belonging to the same army battalion or division in the region," Lacson said in a post on X (Twitter) on Thursday.

"Having Army personnel from the same unit and under the same field commanders securing both camps will prevent clashes and reduce tensions," he said.

Lacson's proposal comes amid a surge in politically mo...