The Philippine Army has deployed two provisional battalions to Lanao del Sur, enhancing security measures for the upcoming Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE) scheduled for September 14.
Strengthening Electoral Security
Our mission is to secure an environment where citizens can freely exercise their democratic right without fear, intimidation, or disruption.
Maj. Gen. Yegor Rey Barroquillo Jr., 1ID Commander
This deployment, which took place during a send-off ceremony on August 31, increases the total number of Army infantry battalions in the province to 10. Maj. Gen. Yegor Rey Barroquillo Jr. emphasized the importance of professionalism, discipline, and respect for voters’ rights.
The two newly dispatched battalions are composed of personnel drawn from various units outside Lanao del Sur. According to Maj. Noelio Brigole, spokesperson for the 1ID, these units will return to their original assignments after the elections.
In previous elections, heightened military presence has been a common strategy to secure peace and order. However, the effectiveness of military deployments in ensuring free and fair elections continues to be a subject of debate among political analysts and civil society organizations.