MANILA, Philippines - The military on Monday said it has deployed some 100 soldiers to serve as bodyguards to candidates in the coming presidential and local elections.

Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner, Armed Forces public affairs office chief, said the soldiers were deployed to about 50 candidates whose applications for bodyguards had been approved by the Commission on Elections. He said the Comelec also asked the Philippine National Police to provide security personnel to about 500 candidates, or equivalent to about 1,000 police personnel.

“As of January 31, the Comelec has approved the applications of 50 candidates who are to be provided with AFP security. That’s according to our Task Force HOPE (Honest Orderly and Peaceful Elections),” Brawner said in an interview.

He said he expects the military to deploy more soldiers to serve as bodyguards of candidates as the May elections draw nearer.

Comelec Resolution 8714 issued last December 17, 2009 has imposed a nationwide gun ban from January 10 to June 9, 2010 and limited candidates to only two bodyguards each. The resolution runs against an agreement between Comelec and the defense department in 2007, limiting the role of the soldiers in any elections.

The military has constantly reminded soldiers not to engage in any partisan political activity, except casting their votes. It said their detail should be strictly limited to ensuring the safety of the candidates.

At least three military generals were accused of helping rig the results of the 2004 presidential elections to ensure the victory of President Arroyo.