SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao del Sur — The Philippine Army’s 75th Infantry (Marauder) Battalion was formally honored for its service and contribution to security operations in Maguindanao del Sur, particularly during the historic first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Election, as military officials held a send-off ceremony for the unit on November 2.
Brig. Gen. Gremel B. Brual, commander of the 601st Infantry (Unifier) Brigade, led the ceremony at the Old Capitol in Barangay Poblacion, Shariff Aguak, paying tribute to the officers and personnel of the 75th Infantry Battalion under the leadership of Lt. Col. Earl C. Pardillo.
The ceremony marked the unit’s departure after its deployment and recognized what the military described as its dedication, professionalism and significant contribution to peace and security efforts in the province.
Among the unit’s major responsibilities was its role, alongside the 1st Mechanized Infantry (Lakan) Battalion of the Philippine Army’s Armor Division, in helping provide security during the first BARMM Parliamentary Election on September 14, 2026.
The election was considered a major milestone in the political transition of the Bangsamoro region, placing heightened importance on coordinated security operations to protect voters, election personnel and communities and to help ensure that the electoral process could proceed peacefully and orderly.
During the ceremony, the 75th Infantry Battalion received a plaque of recognition, while medals were also awarded to members of the unit in acknowledgment of their performance, discipline and service.
Brual thanked the officers and troops of the 75th Infantry Battalion for what he described as their professionalism and dedication, saying their efforts made them an important partner in maintaining security during the first BARMM Parliamentary Election and the formal inaugural session of the elected BARMM Parliament.
He said the departure of the unit would not erase the impact of its deployment, emphasizing that the contributions of the battalion had helped establish a stronger foundation for peace, security and community stability in the areas where its personnel served.
“The departure of the 75th Infantry Battalion will not be an obstacle,” Brual stressed in essence, noting that the unit’s work had left behind gains that could be sustained and further strengthened.
The send-off also signals a transition in the continuing security mission in Maguindanao del Sur, where the 601st Infantry Brigade is expected to carry forward peace and security efforts in coordination with local government units, partner agencies and communities.
Military authorities said sustained cooperation between security forces and civilians remains crucial in protecting the gains achieved during the region’s historic electoral transition and in preventing threats that could undermine stability.
For the 601st Infantry Brigade, the task ahead is to build on the groundwork left by the departing Marauder Battalion and continue delivering security services to Bangsamoro communities through closer coordination with local governments and residents.
The ceremony underscored that while military units may rotate or move to new assignments, the broader challenge of safeguarding peace in Maguindanao del Sur remains a continuing responsibility—one that requires not only the presence of security forces, but also the sustained participation of local leaders and communities.