In a significant move ahead of the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections on September 14, the Philippine Army has escalated security measures in the region. This includes the deployment of additional battalions to ensure the safety of voters.
Heightened Security Amid Historical Context
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
The Philippine Army's 1st Infantry 'Tabak' Division has dispatched two provisional battalions to Lanao del Sur, a province identified as having serious threats during elections. As of July 29, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) categorized 26 towns in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as high-risk due to a history of election-related violence.
In addition to Lanao del Sur, security efforts extend to other provinces, with the 10th Infantry Division contributing 395 soldiers to Maguindanao del Sur and Basilan. These deployments are part of a broader strategy to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
Maj. Noelio Brigole, spokesperson for the 1ID, clarified that the two provisional battalions are specifically formed from units outside Lanao del Sur to enhance security for the upcoming elections. They will return to their original units post-election.
The Philippine Army has committed approximately 10,000 personnel across BARMM to fortify security during the elections, collaborating with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other agencies to maintain public order.