The Philippine Army deployed nearly 400 additional troops over the weekend to reinforce security ahead of the September 14 parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The deployment comprises 395 personnel drawn from the 67th Infantry Battalion and the 12th Division Reconnaissance Company, according to a statement released Monday by the Army’s 10th Infantry Division (10ID).
Maj. Gen. Alvin Luzon, commander of the 10ID, led the send-off ceremony on Sunday at the division’s headquarters in Camp General Manuel Yan Sr in Mawab, Davao de Oro. The newly dispatched troops will augment forces previously sent by the 10ID to support the 6th and 11th Infantry Divisions, which hold operational responsibility across key areas of the autonomous region.
Emphasizing the democratic significance of the upcoming regional polls, Luzon reminded the troops of their fundamental duty to protect voters and uphold democratic processes.
“The right to vote is a fundamental right of every Filipino. Our responsibility is to help ensure that every voter can exercise this right freely, safely, and without fear,” Luzon said.
He urged the soldiers to maintain strict neutrality and adhere strictly to legal and military guidelines throughout their operational duty in the BARMM.
“Our loyalty is to the Constitution, to the people, and to our mission,” Luzon added, directing the contingent to uphold the highest standards of discipline, professionalism, impartiality, and non-partisanship while adhering to the Constitution, the rule of law, and the Army’s mandate.
The 10ID reaffirmed its commitment to work closely alongside the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the Philippine National Police, and other partner agencies to ensure a peaceful, safe, orderly, and credible election across the region.