Army sends 342 more troops to secure BARMM polls
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — More boots are heading to the Bangsamoro region as the Army beefs up security ahead of the 2026 Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections.
The 10th Infantry Division (10ID) deployed two additional infantry battalions — totaling 342 personnel — to reinforce security operations and augment troops from the 6th and 11th Infantry Divisions in their respective areas of responsibility, Maj. Ruben Gadut, 10IDPAO chief, said in an email to the Inquirer Saturday, Sept. 12.
The deploying contingent from the 27th Infantry Battalion and the 72nd Infantry Battalion moved out alongside 19 military trucks and an ambulance following back-to-back send-off rites led by 10ID commander Maj. Gen. Alvin Luzon.
READ: First BARMM elections set for Sept. 14 after four postponements
The 27IB departed on Thursday (Sept. 10) from its headquarters in Paquibato District, Davao City, while the 72IB held its send-off on Friday in Arakan, Cotabato Province.
Luzon told the departing soldiers their mission is to foster a safe, fear-free environment for voters, while sternly ordering them to maintain strict political neutrality and discipline.
“You will be part of a larger effort to ensure that our people can exercise their right to vote in an environment that is peaceful, secure, and free from fear,” Luzon said, reminding troops to uphold human rights.
The deployment brings the 10ID’s total election security commitment in the BARMM to 1,444 personnel, backed by 43 military trucks and eight Wheeled Armored Vehicles (WAVs).
The division said the forces will coordinate closely with partner units and local stakeholders to ensure an orderly, credible electoral exercise. INQ
