Army deploys 2 more provisional battalions for BARMM polls

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines — The Philippine Army’s 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division (1ID) has dispatched two additional provisional battalions to Lanao del Sur to bolster security preparations for the upcoming Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE) on Sept. 14.

Maj. Gen. Yegor Rey Barroquillo Jr., 1ID commander, led the send-off ceremony on National Heroes Day, Aug. 31, reminding soldiers to uphold professionalism, discipline, impartiality, and respect for voters’ rights. 

“Our mission is to secure an environment where citizens can freely exercise their democratic right without fear, intimidation, or disruption,” he said.

READ: Army boosts security for BARMM polls

The fresh deployment brings to 10 the number of Army infantry battalions stationed in the province.

Armor and field artillery units support these forces.

Barroquillo emphasized that the provisional battalions were intended to provide additional personnel to ensure a free, orderly, honest, and peaceful conduct of the BARMM elections within the Division’s area of responsibility.

Maj. Noelio Brigole, 1ID spokesperson, told the Inquirer that the two provisional battalions were specifically formed to enhance security during the BPE. 

“These are composite units drawn from headquarters and battalions outside Lanao [del Sur]. After the elections, they will be returned to their respective units,” Brigole explained./coa