The Philippine Army has deployed a 561-member specialized task force to safeguard the upcoming Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections on September 14.
Army deputy spokesman Col. Jose Regonay Jr. announced Tuesday that Task Force (TF) 92, drawn from the 1st Brigade Combat Team and led by Lt. Col. Anacito Naz, will operate under the 602nd Brigade out of Camp Lucero in Carmen, North Cotabato.
“The task force is composed of infantry, military intelligence, mortar, EOD (Explosive and Ordnance Disposal), K9, CMO (civil military operations), combat engineer and sustainment units,” Regonay said.
Beyond maintaining peace and order, the deployment aims to foster community relations and support election authorities in maintaining a secure environment for voters.
“Aside from providing security, the task force will also carry out community engagement initiatives and strengthen coordination with partner agencies to ensure that BARMM voters can exercise their right to suffrage freely, safely and free from any threat or intimidation,” he said.
Regonay highlighted the unit’s joint operational capabilities, stating, “TF 62 will conduct combined arms operations….to ensure the safe and successful conduct of BARMM elections…Its mission is to support the safe and orderly conduct of the BARMM elections.”
The deployment comes as security forces bolster their presence in the region. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has already designated 108 areas of concern across the BARMM ahead of the September 14 polls.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) previously announced that over 9,000 police officers would be fielded for election duties. Law enforcement agencies have also been enforcing an official Comelec gun ban since July 16, which will remain in effect through the end of the election period on September 29.