ZAMBOANGA CITY (August 8) — The Philippine Army has deployed an additional infantry battalion to Lanao del Sur to strengthen security preparations for the first-ever parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Sept. 14, amid continuing efforts to prevent election-related violence and ensure a peaceful democratic exercise.
On Sept. 14 BARMM will mark the first regular parliamentary elections under the Bangsamoro Organic Law, replacing the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) with an elected Bangsamoro Parliament. More than 2.3 million registered voters are expected to elect parliamentary district representatives, party representatives, and sectoral representatives.
The 28th Infantry Battalion (28IB) of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division has been placed under the operational control of the 101st Infantry Brigade, which is responsible for maintaining peace and security in parts of Lanao del Sur.
In a report by the Philippine News Agency, Brig. Gen. Yasser Bara, commander of the 101st Infantry Brigade, formally welcomed the officers and personnel of the 28IB, led by Lt. Col. Elben Naval, during a reception ceremony Friday at the brigade headquarters in Barangay Matalin, Malabang, Lanao del Sur.
Bara said the arrival of the 28th Infantry Battalion marks a significant enhancement of the brigade’s operational capability as it intensifies security preparations for the forthcoming Bangsamoro parliamentary elections scheduled on Sept. 14, 2026.
The additional forces reinforces the existing security operations to help ensure the peaceful, orderly, honest, and credible conduct of the region’s first parliamentary elections.
The 28IB, which came from Barangay Poblacion, Magpet, North Cotabato, will augment military presence in areas identified by security agencies as requiring additional monitoring.
Bara also disclosed that the brigade is set to receive another augmentation force from a provisional battalion of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division, organized specifically to support election security operations.
“The deployment of these additional forces reflects the unwavering commitment of the Philippine Army to safeguarding the democratic process and ensuring a secure environment for all voters,” Bara said.
The Sept. 14 elections will mark the first regular parliamentary elections under the Bangsamoro Organic Law, replacing the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) with an elected Bangsamoro Parliament. More than 2.3 million registered voters are expected to elect parliamentary district representatives, party representatives, and sectoral representatives.
Given the historic nature of the polls, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) have intensified security operations across the region.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier approved the deployment of additional AFP and PNP personnel to secure the electoral process across the BARMM.
Comelec has classified several municipalities in BARMM under the red, orange, and yellow categories based on their history of election-related incidents, the presence of armed groups, and other security considerations. Officials have clarified that these classifications are precautionary and do not necessarily mean violence is currently occurring in those areas.
Many of the high-risk municipalities are located in Lanao del Sur, where political rivalries, clan feuds (locally known as rido), and the presence of armed groups have historically complicated election periods. Authorities have also continued to monitor remnants of local terrorist groups, including factions linked to the Dawlah Islamiyah network, although sustained military operations in recent years have significantly weakened their capabilities.
Security officials stress that the deployment of additional troops is intended to deter violence, secure polling centers, protect election personnel, and reassure voters that they can cast their ballots safely.
Although election-related violence in BARMM has declined in recent years, previous elections in parts of Mindanao have been marked by armed confrontations, political intimidation, private armed groups, and localized clan conflicts that occasionally escalated during campaign periods.
The Army said the increased military presence aims to prevent such incidents from disrupting what is widely regarded as a milestone in the Bangsamoro peace process.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia recently reported that no election-related violent incidents had been recorded since the start of the election period, attributing the situation to intensified checkpoints, the nationwide gun ban, and close coordination among the military, police, and election officials.
Military officials said they will continue conducting security patrols, intelligence monitoring, and coordination with local government units and law enforcement agencies until the conclusion of the electoral exercise.
“The Philippine Army remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring a peaceful, orderly, honest, and credible conduct of the historic first Bangsamoro parliamentary elections,” Bara said.-with report from Bong Garcia
