PH Army deploys over 10,000 personnel for BARMM polls

The Philippine Army has deployed 10,031 personnel to help secure the first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections scheduled for September 14, 2026.

“Ang Philippine Army ay nag-deploy ng 10,031 sundalo at [CAFGU Active Auxiliary] members mula sa 1st, 6th, and 11th Infantry Division,” said Colonel Jose Regonay Jr. from the Army's public affairs office during a press briefing.

(The Philippine Army has deployed 10,031 soldiers and CAFGU Active Auxiliary members from the 1st, 6th, and 11th Infantry Divisions.)

“Ang deployment ng ating mga tropa kabilang special units ay bahagi ng mas malawak na hakbang upang matiyak ang mapayapa at secured na kauna-unahang parliamentary election sa BARMM,” he added.

(The deployment of our troops, including special units, is part of a broader effort to ensure a peaceful and secure first-ever parliamentary election in BARMM.)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla said it is closely monitoring possible security threats in the BARMM for the upcoming elections.

Padilla said the military’s security posture will remain responsive to developments on the ground as election day draws closer.

“Our security posture in BARMM will remain responsive to developments on the ground. As the elections approach, we will continuously adjust our security preparations based on what is happening in different areas,” Padilla said.

She said the AFP is conducting security assessments and intelligence monitoring while coordinating closely with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), Philippine National Police (PNP), local government units (LHUs) and other stakeholders.

“Our priority remains clear: to prevent violence, protect communities, and create a secure environment where Bangsamoro voters can exercise their right to vote freely and without fear,” Padilla said.

She added that commanders on the ground have been directed to remain prepared and responsive while observing professionalism, restraint, and respect for democratic processes.

“There is no influence on the choice of the voters. We are here to help protect the right to make that choice,” she said.

Asked whether lawless elements in Mindanao could interfere with or disrupt the elections, Padilla said the AFP is considering all possible risks.

“We are looking at all possible vectors of possibilities and risk factors that we have in the area,” she said. —VAL, GMA News