MAGUING, Lanao del Sur — The Philippine Army’s 55th Infantry (Vigilant) Battalion has deployed troops to various areas of Lanao del Sur as part of security preparations for the upcoming Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) elections.
The 55th Infantry Battalion, under the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division of the Philippine Army, said the deployment is intended to help ensure that voters can exercise their right to vote in an environment that is safe, peaceful, orderly, and secure.
The deployment places Army personnel in strategic areas across the province as authorities strengthen security measures ahead of the electoral exercise.
Lt. Col. Jerry V. Doldol, commanding officer of the 55IB, underscored the importance of cooperation among government agencies, candidates, communities, and other stakeholders in maintaining peace and stability throughout the election period.
“The deployment of our troops is part of our commitment to provide a secure and peaceful environment where every voter can freely exercise their right to vote,” Doldol said.
He added that the battalion would continue coordinating with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), Philippine National Police (PNP), local government units, and other stakeholders to help ensure that the electoral process proceeds safely and orderly.
The Army’s security role comes as authorities prepare for an election that will determine the political leadership and representation of the Bangsamoro region, making the preservation of peace and public order a major concern in areas where security challenges could affect the exercise of suffrage.
Beyond troop deployment, the 55IB is also urging residents to remain alert and actively cooperate with authorities.
The battalion called on the public, candidates, political supporters, community leaders, and other stakeholders, particularly those in Lanao del Sur, to immediately report suspicious activities, security concerns, or information that could potentially compromise the safety and integrity of the elections.
Authorities emphasized that maintaining election security is not solely the responsibility of security forces. Public cooperation and timely reporting of threats or suspicious activities can help authorities respond to potential problems before they escalate.
The 55IB said it remains committed to supporting the peaceful conduct of the BARMM elections and protecting the security and democratic rights of voters in Lanao del Sur.
With troops now deployed in different areas of the province, the Army is expected to work alongside civilian authorities and other security agencies throughout the election period to help maintain a secure environment for voters, candidates, election personnel, and other stakeholders.
The battalion reiterated its call for unity, vigilance, and cooperation as Lanao del Sur prepares for the BARMM electoral exercise, stressing that a peaceful election requires the collective participation of government institutions and the communities they serve.