MANILA, April 12 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday directed the military to ensure peace and security across the country amid the election season.

Marcos gave the order during his visit to the troops of the Army's 6th Infantry Division (6ID) at Camp BGen. Gonzalo H. Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, according to a Presidential Communications Office (PCO) news release on Friday night.

The President emphasized the importance of military presence and visibility, especially with the ongoing campaigning for the May 12 midterm elections.

On March 19, the Commission on Elections reported a slight decrease from 38 to 36 areas facing serious election-related threats.

"I'm very happy to be able to report to you that we are...