PH Army boosts troop presence ahead of BARMM parliamentary polls

The Philippine Army has deployed additional troops to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to help secure the region's first-ever parliamentary elections on September 14.

At a press briefing on Tuesday, Army spokesperson Colonel Louie Dema-ala said the Army is coordinating closely with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to help ensure peaceful and orderly polls.

Dema-ala said the Army has deployed personnel from the 28th Infantry Battalion, 75th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Special Forces Regiment Battalion, and a Joint Special Operations Team to augment forces under the 6th, 1st, and 11th Infantry Divisions.

While he did not disclose the exact number of troops deployed, Dema-ala said at least three battalions had been sent to the region, noting that each battalion consists of about 500 personnel.

"We have already deployed additional troops in BARMM, and they continue to conduct security operations, particularly in implementing the gun ban in the area," Dema-ala said.

"As of now, we continue to coordinate with the PNP on the security situation there, while our field commanders are also engaging communities to ensure that the upcoming BARMM elections will be peaceful and orderly," he said.

Dema-ala also said the military has not detected any immediate threats from lawless armed groups or monitored any election-related incidents ahead of the BARMM parliamentary elections.

He said the Army, PNP, and Comelec are working closely to address and prevent potential security threats during the election period.

Dema-ala added that while the declaration of election hotspots is under the Comelec, the Army continues to coordinate with the PNP and the poll body on areas where lawless armed groups have previously been monitored. –VBL, GMA News