LAMITAN CITY, Basilan — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is further strengthening election security preparations in Basilan with the arrival of augmentation forces that will support the 1101st Infantry “Gagandilan” Brigade during the 2026 Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections.
The 1101st Infantry “Gagandilan” Brigade, under Brig. Gen. Frederick M. Sales, formally welcomed personnel from the 100th Infantry “Kalasag” Battalion, the 102nd Division Reconnaissance Company, and the 111st Division Reconnaissance Company during a welcome and send-off ceremony at the Magwakit Training Center in Barangay Colonia, Lamitan City, on September 9, 2026.
The arrival of the additional troops brings the brigade closer to its planned election security posture, with approximately 1,700 military personnel expected to be deployed across Basilan in support of efforts to maintain peace and security before, during, and after the parliamentary elections.
The deployment comes as authorities intensify preparations for the elections, where security forces are expected to play a critical supporting role in creating conditions that will allow voters to participate without intimidation, violence, or disruption.
Brigade says forces have been preparing in advance
Sales said the brigade had undertaken preparations well ahead of the elections through deliberate planning, coordination, and continuous training.
“We have prepared long enough for this. We deliberately planned for this, and we are ready to perform to the best of our abilities,” Sales said.
The brigade commander underscored that the AFP’s role is to help ensure a secure, credible, peaceful, and orderly electoral process, while operating within the limits of its mandate and existing election security protocols.
He directed personnel to strictly observe established procedures and coordinate closely with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), Philippine National Police (PNP), local government units, and other stakeholders involved in election preparations and security.
Sales also stressed the importance of professionalism and discipline, reminding soldiers to remain impartial and to respect the rights of every voter regardless of political affiliation or preference.
The emphasis on neutrality is particularly significant during elections, when military and police personnel are expected to perform security duties without favoring candidates, parties, or political groups.
Troops reminded to protect the democratic process
Maj. Gen. Leonardo I. Peña, commander of the 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division and Joint Task Force Orion, likewise reminded the troops that their mission is not to influence the electoral outcome but to help establish a safe and secure environment where the democratic process can proceed freely.
Peña emphasized that every soldier must remain professional, impartial, and respectful toward the communities they are tasked to serve and protect.
The arriving augmentation forces are now proceeding to their respective areas of deployment, where they will reinforce existing security efforts of the 1101st Infantry Brigade and its attached and supporting units.
Their presence is intended to strengthen security coverage across Basilan and provide additional manpower as election-related activities increase in the coming days.
Security forces urged to remain within the law
The brigade said its election security operations will be carried out in coordination with civilian authorities and other government agencies, consistent with the law, established election security guidelines, and the AFP’s mandate to remain nonpartisan.
For voters, the deployment is intended to help create conditions in which they can exercise their constitutional right to vote freely, safely, and without fear.
The 1101st Infantry “Gagandilan” Brigade said it, along with its attached and supporting units and partner stakeholders, remains committed to safeguarding the peaceful conduct of the 2026 BARMM Parliamentary Elections in Basilan.
As election day approaches, the effectiveness of the security deployment will ultimately depend not only on the number of personnel deployed, but also on their adherence to professionalism, impartiality, respect for civilian authority, and the rights of voters.
The military’s stated objective remains clear: to secure the environment without becoming a participant in the political contest, allowing the people of Basilan to make their choices through a peaceful and democratic electoral process.