Camp Siongco, Awang, Maguindanao del Norte – The Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) and the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division proudly announced the peaceful conclusion of the May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections across their Joint Operational Area, noting that the day ended with zero fatalities despite minor delays and tensions in some areas.
Tensions Managed Peacefully in Datu Odin Sinsuat
One such incident occurred in Datu Odin Sinsuat, where a dispute arose over the composition of the Electoral Board. A group demanded the replacement of teachers with police personnel, citing alleged bias. The situation caused temporary unrest at the local Commission on Elections (COMELEC) office. However, troops from the 6ID, demonstrating professionalism and restraint, swiftly defused the tension and ensured that voting resumed without harm to civilians.
Coordinated Efforts Paved the Way
The JTFC attributed the successful and peaceful conduct of elections to months of preparation and strong inter-agency collaboration involving the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), COMELEC, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Government, local officials, civil society groups, and media partners.
Key initiatives that contributed to a secure election period included:
- Conducting 22 Political Candidates Forums and Peace Covenant Signings across the region to promote issue-based campaigning;
- Deploying additional troops from Western Mindanao Command, including Marine Battalion Landing Team-6 (MBLT-6), Armor Division, Division Reconnaissance Companies (DRCs), and the 48th Infantry Battalion;
- Sustained military operations that weakened the presence and threat of armed groups.
Tactical Operations Prevent Election Violence
Leading up to the election, several successful operations further ensured public safety:
- May 10 in Pandag, Maguindanao del Sur: The 2nd Mechanized Battalion encountered 15 armed individuals, resulting in one fatality, one wounded, seven captured, and the recovery of multiple high-powered firearms.
- May 11 in Barangay Mao, Datu Abdullah Sangki: The 62nd Division Reconnaissance Company recovered an M60 general-purpose machine gun, several 5.56mm rifles, ammunition, and other war materiel, based on civilian tip-offs.
- May 10–12: Joint AFP-PNP-COMELEC checkpoints in Buluan and T’boli led to the arrest of several armed individuals and the seizure of firearms and suspicious vehicles—averting possible violence.
Commander’s Message: “This Victory Belongs to All of Us”
Major General Donald M. Gumiran, Commander of the 6th Infantry Division and JTFC, praised the discipline and professionalism of government forces, as well as the cooperation of stakeholders:
“The successful and peaceful conduct of the May 12 elections is a testament to what we can accomplish through unity and vigilance. This was not merely a security operation—it was a defense of democracy and public trust.”
He emphasized that the absence of fatalities is proof that peaceful and lawful processes are achievable through collective resolve.
Provincial Canvassing at Camp Siongco
COMELEC also confirmed that the Provincial Board of Canvassing for Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and the Special Geographic Area (SGA) of BARMM took place at the 6ID Headquarters in Awang, ensuring secure and efficient consolidation of election results.
Building Momentum Toward BARMM Parliamentary Elections
As the region now looks forward to the historic first-ever BARMM Parliamentary Elections in October 2025, JTFC leadership expressed renewed confidence. The lessons and relationships forged during the May 12 elections have laid a strong foundation for future democratic milestones in the Bangsamoro region.
Maj. Gen. Gumiran concluded by recognizing the courage of election officers and the integrity of media partners in countering disinformation:
“Let us carry this momentum forward. The success of the May 12 elections is not an end—it is a powerful affirmation that peace, order, and democracy are achievable through our shared commitment.”