Ensuring security in areas accessible only by crossing rivers in the Special Geographic Area (SGA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and Maguindanao del Norte poses a significant challenge to law enforcement and military forces ahead of the 2025 National and Local Elections.
According to Lt. Col. Edgard Batinay, commander of the 34th Infantry Battalion, securing the transport of election materials and personnel to remote polling precincts in places like Pahamudin-SGA and Northern Kabuntalan remains a logistical and security hurdle. “It’s a major challenge, especially in areas that require river crossings, but we are prepared to address these issues,” Batinay said after joining the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and Philippine National Police (PNP) in inspecting several voting centers.
Despite these difficulties, Batinay assured the public that security forces are fully prepared to ensure the safe and orderly conduct of the elections. Troops have already been deployed to strategic areas to safeguard voters and maintain peace during the voting process.
In coordination with COMELEC Midsayap, led by Election Officer Ramon Mario Jaranilla, the 34th IB conducted a pre-election security briefing six days before the polls. The session emphasized the duties and responsibilities of personnel assigned to election duty, including strict adherence to neutrality, professionalism, and non-involvement in partisan politics.
Soldiers were reminded to focus on protecting the integrity of the election process, securing ballot boxes, and maintaining order at polling stations. They were also trained on how to handle emergencies, crowd control, and potential election-related disturbances.
“The goal is to fully equip our personnel with the knowledge and discipline needed to ensure a peaceful, secure, and credible election,” Batinay concluded.
The coordinated efforts of the military, PNP, and COMELEC underscore the critical role of security forces in upholding democracy in even the most remote and challenging areas of the country.