MAGUINDANAO DEL NORTE — The Philippine Army has strengthened its security preparations for the upcoming Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections with the arrival of Task Force 92 from the 1st Brigade Combat Team (1BCT) in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte on August 12, 2026.
The arrival and formal reception of the task force were held at the headquarters of the 7th Infantry (TAPAT) Battalion in Barangay Pigcalagan, where personnel from the 602nd Infantry (LIBERATOR) Brigade, 6th Infantry (KAMPILAN) Division welcomed the additional troops.
Acting 602nd Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Romeo N. Bautista III formally received the members of Task Force 92 and underscored their expected role in supporting election-related security operations.
According to the Philippine Army, Task Force 92 will serve as a Rapid Deployment Force (RDF) and will complement the 602nd Infantry Brigade in designated areas of responsibility during the September 14, 2026 BARMM Parliamentary Elections.
Bautista emphasized the importance of coordination, discipline and professionalism among soldiers as the military prepares to support security efforts surrounding the region’s first parliamentary elections.
The Army said the deployment is intended to strengthen its capability to respond to potential security concerns while supporting efforts to maintain peace and order before and during the electoral period.
During the activity, Task Force 92 Commander Lt. Col. Anacito C. Naz presented the unit’s capabilities in Combined Arms Operations, demonstrating how various combat and support capabilities can be coordinated in carrying out security missions.
The presentation focused on the task force’s ability to conduct coordinated security operations, respond rapidly to emerging threats and support the maintenance of peace and order within areas under its responsibility.
The 7th Infantry Battalion said Task Force 92 will remain at its headquarters in Barangay Pigcalagan and will work alongside the battalion as part of the intensified security preparations for the elections.
The deployment also highlights the coordination between the 602nd Infantry Brigade and the 1st Brigade Combat Team as the Philippine Army prepares for the increased security requirements associated with the electoral exercise.
The Army stressed that its role in the elections is focused on providing security and enabling voters to exercise their right to vote in a safe and orderly environment.
It also reiterated its commitment to professionalism, impartiality and non-partisanship, emphasizing that soldiers are expected to remain neutral and not favor any political party or candidate.
The Philippine Army said it will coordinate with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and other government agencies in carrying out its security mandate.
The deployment comes as preparations intensify for the September 14, 2026 BARMM Parliamentary Elections, a significant electoral exercise that will require coordinated security and election-management efforts across the Bangsamoro region.
For the Army, the arrival of Task Force 92 represents an additional operational capability intended to reinforce existing security arrangements and help ensure that the electoral process can proceed in a peaceful, organized and secure environment.
The military said its ultimate objective is to help create conditions in which BARMM residents can exercise their constitutional right to vote freely, without fear and without intimidation.