Army deploys mechanized battalion to secure BARMM polls
COTABATO CITY – The Army’s 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion, Armor Division deployed its peacekeeping forces in Maguindanao del Sur on Tuesday to support security measures for the historic Bangsamoro Parliamentary elections.
Soldiers in full battle gear, backed by armored personnel carriers and led by battalion commander Lt. Colonel Raul Escat, were sent to the towns of Mangudadatu, Datu Paglas, and Gen. SK Pendatun.
Escat said they have coordinated with higher headquarters, local government units, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders.
READ: PH Army bolsters BARMM election security with more troops
He said Tuesday’s troop deployment is the Army unit’s commitment to helping ensure a safe, peaceful, orderly, and credible electoral process for the people of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
“All our personnel are reminded to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, impartiality, and non-partisanship, while strictly adhering to the Constitution, existing laws, and the mandate of the Philippine Army,” Escat said.
“The battalion recognizes that election security goes beyond maintaining peace and order; it also involves protecting the people’s right to exercise their democratic choice freely, safely, and without fear, intimidation, or undue influence,” Escat added.
During the final Provincial Joint Security Control Center (PJSCC) Coordinating Conference at the Provincial Capitol in Buluan, Maguindanao del Sur on Monday, Brig. Gen. Ricky Bunayog, 6th Infantry Division commander, stressed that all security plans are already in place in the 6ID area of operation for the regional balloting next Monday.
READ: Army deploys 2 support battalions to secure Maguindanao provinces
Bunayog emphasized that the purpose of election security preparations is to protect the people and preserve the integrity of the electoral process.
“Every Bangsamoro voter must be able to cast their ballot freely, safely, and without fear, intimidation, or undue influence,” Bunayog said.
“As security partners and a nonpartisan organization, our role is not to determine the outcome of the election. Our role is to protect the environment in which people can make their choice,” Bunayog said./coa
