LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur — September 18, 2026 — The 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division formally welcomed home its troops and deactivated its Provisional Battalions following the successful completion of their security mission in Lanao del Sur during the historic first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections held on September 14.
The welcome-home and deactivation ceremony was held at Camp Maj. Cesar L. Sang-an in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur, and was presided over by Major General Yegor Rey P. Barroquillo Jr., commander of the 1st Infantry Division.
Barroquillo personally received the returning personnel and recognized deserving officers and enlisted personnel for their dedication, discipline and commitment throughout the election-security operation.
The Provisional Battalions were among the additional military forces deployed to Lanao del Sur to strengthen security during the electoral period and help protect voters, election personnel and other stakeholders.
Their deployment formed part of the broader security effort involving various units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, the Commission on Elections and local government units.
According to the 1st Infantry Division, the combined deployment contributed to an environment that allowed voters in Lanao del Sur to exercise their right to vote safely and peacefully.
The division reported that Lanao del Sur recorded zero violent incidents throughout the election period, which it attributed to the collective efforts of security forces and their partner agencies.
The security presence also helped maintain stability in the province beyond election day, with authorities working to deter possible post-election threats and preserve peaceful conditions following the September 14 polls.
The Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections marked a significant milestone in the political development of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, with security forces tasked with helping create conditions conducive to the exercise of the people’s right to vote.
During the ceremony, Barroquillo commended the officers and enlisted personnel of the Provisional Battalions for maintaining discipline and professionalism while carrying out their responsibilities in Lanao del Sur.
He also recognized their continued commitment despite the demands associated with election security operations.
With the election mission completed, the Provisional Battalions were formally deactivated. Their personnel subsequently returned to their respective units and offices, ending their temporary deployment in Lanao del Sur.
The 1st Infantry Division said the troops’ mission represented the Armed Forces’ commitment to supporting the country’s electoral processes and helping maintain a secure and stable environment for the Bangsamoro people.
For the returning TABAK troops, the completion of the mission marked not only the end of a temporary deployment but also their contribution to a historic electoral exercise in the Bangsamoro region.