MALABANG, Lanao del Sur — The 101st Infantry (Three Red Arrows) Brigade of the Philippine Army formally sent off its forces on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, as the unit steps up preparations to help secure the September 14, 2026 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Election (BPE) and ensure that voters can exercise their democratic rights in a peaceful, orderly, and secure environment.
The send-off ceremony, held at the 101st Infantry Brigade headquarters in Barangay Matalin, Malabang, was led by Brigadier General Yasser R. Bara, commander of the 101st Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army.
The activity marked the formal deployment of Army personnel who will augment election security operations in coordination with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), Philippine National Police (PNP), local government units, and other government agencies and stakeholders involved in securing the first parliamentary election in the Bangsamoro.
The deployment comes as security preparations intensify across the region ahead of the September 14 polls, with authorities seeking to maintain peace and order while protecting the integrity of the electoral process.
Forces undergo specialized election-security preparations
Before being deployed, the soldiers underwent a series of specialized training sessions and lectures intended to strengthen their operational readiness and prepare them for the particular demands of election security.
The preparations included cultural sensitivity training, combined arms operations, election-related lectures, discussions on the respective roles of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and PNP during the election period, and other election security protocols.
The training placed particular emphasis on the need for soldiers to combine operational preparedness with professionalism, cultural awareness, discipline, impartiality, and respect for the rights of voters and other election stakeholders.
The preparation is especially significant for the 101st Infantry Brigade as the unit undertakes its first security mission in support of a parliamentary-type election, requiring its personnel to understand and adapt to the distinct political, electoral, cultural, and security environment surrounding the BPE.
The objective is not merely to increase the number of security personnel on the ground, but to ensure that those deployed understand the limits and responsibilities of their role in an electoral setting.
PNP, Army stress coordination and impartiality
Joining the send-off was Police Colonel Caezar P. Cabuhat, provincial director of the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (LDSPPO), who underscored the importance of close coordination among security forces and other stakeholders throughout the election period.
Personnel from the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), Calanogas Municipal Police Station, Malabang MPS, Picong MPS, Balabagan MPS, and Kapatagan MPS also participated in the activity.
These police personnel will work alongside the Army forces to augment security operations in preparation for the September 14 BPE.
Cabuhat reaffirmed the Lanao del Sur police provincial office’s commitment to remain professional, impartial, and steadfast in carrying out its responsibilities during the electoral period.
He emphasized that cooperation among security agencies and stakeholders is essential to maintaining peace and security as the Bangsamoro moves toward its parliamentary elections.
The coordination between the AFP and PNP is expected to be particularly important in areas where security concerns, political sensitivities, and the need for sustained law enforcement presence require a unified and disciplined approach.
COMELEC official urges professionalism and adherence to election rules
Atty. Renault C. Macarambon, Provincial Election Supervisor and Assistant Regional Election Director for BARMM, served as the guest of honor and speaker during the ceremony.
His participation highlighted the critical role of coordination between election authorities and the security sector in protecting the electoral process.
Macarambon reminded the troops of the importance of professionalism, strict adherence to election laws and regulations, and cooperation among government agencies and other stakeholders.
For election security forces, the mission goes beyond maintaining peace and order. Their presence must also contribute to an environment where voters can participate freely and where candidates, political groups, election workers, and other stakeholders can perform their respective roles without intimidation or undue interference.
The neutrality and professionalism of security personnel are therefore central to maintaining public confidence in the election.
Army commander emphasizes discipline and respect for voters
In his message, BGen. Bara stressed the importance of thorough preparation, discipline, professionalism, and impartiality as the brigade carries out its election security mission.
He directed the deploying personnel to maintain close coordination with COMELEC, PNP, local government units, and other concerned stakeholders while ensuring that the rights of every voter are respected.
The brigade commander also emphasized that soldiers must remain disciplined and professional throughout their deployment, particularly in dealing with communities and election stakeholders.
The instructions reflect the sensitive nature of election security operations, where security forces are expected to protect the electoral process without becoming involved in partisan political activities.
Symbolic send-off marks readiness
The program opened with an invocation led by Rev. Fr. Dominic John C. Cagang, MJ, of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish, followed by welcome remarks from Colonel Danilo G. Ambe, deputy brigade commander of the 101st Infantry Brigade.
A completeness report was subsequently presented by Lieutenant Colonel Jerry B. Gaviola, commanding officer of the 64th Infantry (Knights) Battalion, who served as troop commander during the ceremony.
The activity concluded with a ceremonial handshake led by BGen. Bara and key brigade officials, symbolizing the troops’ readiness and commitment to fulfill their responsibilities during the election period.
For the 101st Infantry Brigade, the send-off represents another major step in its preparations for the BPE.
As election day approaches, the brigade is expected to maintain close coordination with COMELEC, the PNP, local governments, and other stakeholders to support security operations within its area of responsibility.
The deployment also underscores the broader security sector’s role in ensuring that the Bangsamoro’s parliamentary election is conducted in an environment where peace, order, voter protection, and electoral integrity remain paramount.
With trained personnel now preparing to assume their election-related duties, the 101st Infantry Brigade said it remains committed to carrying out its mission with professionalism, discipline, impartiality, and respect for the democratic rights of the Bangsamoro electorate.
The September 14 parliamentary election will mark a significant milestone in the region’s political development, placing added importance on the ability of security forces and civilian institutions to work together in protecting the electoral process and contributing to lasting peace and stability across the Bangsamoro.