By Benjamin Cuaresma
COTABATO CITY — The Philippine Army has deployed mechanized troops backed by armored personnel carriers to three municipalities in Maguindanao del Sur as security preparations intensify for the historic Bangsamoro parliamentary elections.
The 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion of the Army’s Armor Division sent its personnel to Mangudadatu, Datu Paglas and General SK Pendatun on Tuesday, with battalion commander Lt. Col. Raul Escat leading the deployment.
The troops were placed in the three areas as part of security measures for the regional elections, with the Army coordinating with higher headquarters, local governments, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders.
Escat said the deployment reflects the battalion’s commitment to helping ensure that voters in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao can participate in the elections under a safe, peaceful and orderly environment.
He directed personnel to maintain strict professionalism and discipline while remaining impartial throughout the electoral period.
“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 Army commander also stressed that election security extends beyond preventing disturbances, emphasizing the need to protect voters as they exercise their right to choose their leaders.
The deployment followed the final Provincial Joint Security Control Center Coordinating Conference held Monday at the Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Capitol in Buluan.
During the meeting, 6th Infantry Division commander Brig. Gen. Ricky Bunayog said security plans for the regional elections had already been finalized throughout the division’s area of operations.
Bunayog said the security forces’ responsibility is to protect the electorate and preserve the integrity of the voting process rather than influence its outcome.
“Every Bangsamoro voter must be able to cast their ballot freely, safely, and without fear, intimidation, or undue influence,” Bunayog said.
He underscored the military’s nonpartisan role, saying security personnel must protect the environment in which voters can freely make their choices.
“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.
With the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections approaching, the Army’s deployment places additional personnel and armored assets on the ground in Maguindanao del Sur as authorities move into the final stage of regional election security preparations.
ia/xf
