BARMM: A 500-man military force arrived on Friday to provide additional security for the forthcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
According to a news release by Philippine News Agency, The deployment comes as part of Philippine Army Chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido's initiative to bolster military presence and ensure peace and order for the October 30 elections, according to information provided by the Philippines News Agency. During an earlier visit, Galido assured both military and Commission on Elections officials that the local barangay polls will proceed as scheduled, reiterating that there will be "no room for the failure of elections."
The troops arrived via a C-130 aircraft from the Philippine Air Force, and are sourced from various units of the Philippine Army. They will work in collaboration with the Philippine National Police and other government security forces to intensify security measures for the election.
Major General Alex S. Rillera, who serves as the 6ID commander and concurrent chief of the Army-led Joint Task Force Central, stated that the deployment represents a "proactive stance aimed at safeguarding the electoral process." He emphasized the government's commitment to upholding democracy and maintaining law and order.
According to BARMM police data, there are at least 249 villages in the region that are considered red category election hotspots. The 6ID's area of responsibility includes the provinces of Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, certain parts of Lanao del Sur, and the 63 BARMM villages in North Cotabato on mainland Mindanao. The division also covers other areas including the provinces of Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and parts of North Cotabato and Sarangani in the Soccsksargen region.