PALIMBANG, Sultan Kudarat — The 603rd Infantry “Persuader” Brigade has mobilized personnel to help secure the conduct of the 1st Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Election, underscoring the military’s role in supporting a safe, peaceful, and credible electoral process across the region.
A send-off ceremony was held on September 5, 2026, at the 603rd Infantry Brigade headquarters in Barangay Milbuk, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat, for troops tasked to support election security operations.
The ceremony was led by Colonel Glenn Loreto T. Caballero, Acting Brigade Commander, who emphasized the responsibility of deployed personnel to protect the integrity of the electoral process while ensuring that voters, election workers, and other stakeholders can carry out their respective roles without fear or intimidation.
A separate send-off ceremony was also conducted on the same day by the 105th Infantry “Saifullah” Battalion at its headquarters in Sitio Tampuan, Barangay Kamanga, Maasim, Sarangani Province.
The battalion is led by Lieutenant Colonel Erikzen C. Dacoco, Commanding Officer.
The deployments form part of the security preparations for the region’s parliamentary election, with troops expected to coordinate closely with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), Philippine National Police (PNP), and other concerned government agencies in carrying out their mandated responsibilities.
The military’s participation is intended to help maintain a secure environment in areas where election-related activities will be conducted, while supporting civilian authorities responsible for administering the polls.
During his message to the troops, Caballero reaffirmed the brigade’s commitment to supporting what he described as a Credible, Orderly, and Peaceful (COP) Election.
He reminded the deployed personnel that their conduct would be crucial in maintaining public confidence in the security sector during the electoral period.
Caballero specifically directed the troops to remain professional, disciplined, impartial, and respectful of the electoral process. He also stressed the need for personnel to perform their duties with integrity and to avoid actions that could undermine the neutrality of the security forces.
“Our responsibility is to help provide a safe and secure environment where every voter can exercise their right to vote freely and without fear. Let us remain professional, disciplined, and impartial, and uphold the trust and confidence of the people we serve,” Caballero said.
The directive places particular emphasis on the military’s role as a security support force rather than an actor in the political process. Maintaining impartiality is critical during elections, particularly in areas where political competition, security concerns, and community tensions may intersect.
The 603rd Brigade said its personnel will work alongside civilian authorities and other security agencies to ensure that election-related activities proceed in an orderly manner.
The coordination is expected to cover the various stages of the electoral process, including security support for election personnel, polling areas, voters, and other stakeholders, consistent with the mandates and responsibilities of the agencies involved.
The brigade also appealed to communities, political stakeholders, voters, and other parties involved in the election to cooperate with authorities and contribute to a peaceful electoral environment.
The call for cooperation comes as security preparations intensify ahead of the 1st BARMM Parliamentary Election, a major political exercise in the Bangsamoro region that will determine representation in the BARMM Parliament.
For the 603rd Brigade, the deployment represents not only a security responsibility but also a commitment to creating conditions where voters can exercise their democratic rights freely and without intimidation.
The brigade reiterated that its personnel must uphold professionalism and respect for the rule of law throughout their deployment, while maintaining the confidence of the communities they serve.
With troops now preparing to assume their election-related security duties, the 603rd Infantry Brigade said it remains committed to working with COMELEC, the PNP, local government units, and other stakeholders toward an election that is secure, peaceful, orderly, and credible.