Marawi City, Lanao del Sur — Secretary of National Defense (SND) Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. visited the 103rd Infantry (Haribon) Brigade on September 19, 2025, to spearhead a high-level security briefing and personally engage with soldiers tasked to secure the upcoming Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE).
Teodoro described the 2025 BPE as a “milestone in the democratic journey of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM),” emphasizing its critical role in sustaining peace, stability, and democratic governance in the region. He directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to ensure the integrity of the electoral process, highlighting the importance of non-partisanship and protection against political interference.
“Our soldiers play a vital role in protecting communities and ensuring that the voice of the people is heard peacefully and credibly,” Teodoro told the troops. “The Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines are fully behind you—committed to supporting your morale, welfare, and operational needs.”
During the briefing, Maj. Gen. Yegor Rey P. Barroquillo Jr., Commander of the Joint Task Force ZAMPELAN and the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, presented the security posture in Lanao del Sur and nearby provinces. He assured that government forces are prepared to maintain order and guarantee safe and credible elections. “Our forces are prepared, disciplined, and dedicated to safeguarding the people’s right to vote freely and without fear,” Barroquillo said.
Also present were AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete Jr., and key commanders from Western Mindanao, underscoring a unified military stance on election security.
The visit not only reinforced inter-agency coordination for election readiness but also boosted the morale of frontline troops, as the government reiterated its full support for their mission of ensuring peace and security in BARMM.