LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur — Coinciding with the observance of National Heroes Day, the 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division of the Philippine Army has deployed another wave of additional forces to Lanao del Sur, marking the fifth wave of augmentation from outside the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as authorities intensify preparations for the September 14, 2026, 1st Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE).
The latest reinforcement involved the send-off of two additional Provisional Battalions at Camp Cesar L. Sang-an in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur, on August 31. The deployment is intended to further strengthen the security posture in Lanao del Sur and help create conditions for the safe, peaceful, and orderly conduct of the historic parliamentary elections.
The latest augmentation adds to an already substantial security presence in the province, where eight Infantry Battalions are currently deployed. The 28th Infantry Battalion and 1st Scout Ranger Battalion had also been sent ahead to reinforce election security operations, while the 3rd Special Forces Battalion is scheduled to deploy to Lanao del Sur before election day.
The growing force structure is not limited to conventional infantry units. Armor and field artillery elements are also supporting the security preparations, providing additional mobility, protection, and fire-support capabilities as the military and civilian authorities prepare for potential security challenges surrounding the elections.
Among the notable components of the latest reinforcement is the All-Female Hijab Company, whose deployment adds a specialized female security component to the overall election security force. The unit’s presence is particularly significant in communities where cultural and religious sensitivities require appropriate engagement and interaction with women and families.
The deployment of female personnel wearing hijab also reflects the Army’s effort to strengthen its ability to operate effectively and respectfully within the predominantly Muslim communities of Lanao del Sur. Their participation provides an additional capability for engagements involving women and other situations where the presence of female security personnel may be more appropriate.
With the latest deployment, the military’s security preparations in Lanao del Sur now involve a multi-capability force composed of infantry, special operations, armor, artillery, and specialized female personnel, working as part of a broader inter-agency security framework.
The Philippine Army said all deployed forces will closely coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Commission on Elections (COMELEC), and other concerned government agencies. Such coordination is expected to be crucial in maintaining security before, during, and after the September 14 elections.
The reinforcement comes as Lanao del Sur prepares for the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections, a major political milestone in the Bangsamoro region. The elections will determine representatives to the Bangsamoro Parliament, making the security of polling places, election personnel, voters, and election-related activities a major priority for government authorities.
During the send-off ceremony, Maj. Gen. Yegor Rey P. Barroquillo Jr., commander of the 1st Infantry Division, reminded the troops of the importance of professionalism, discipline, impartiality, and strict compliance with the law.
Barroquillo emphasized that the soldiers’ role is not to influence the electoral process but to help provide a secure environment where qualified voters can exercise their democratic rights freely, safely, and without fear, intimidation, or disruption.
The reminder is particularly significant given the sensitive security environment surrounding elections, where the presence of armed personnel must be balanced with the need to ensure that voters and political stakeholders are able to participate without undue pressure.
The Army’s mandate, according to the division, is to support the creation of a safe environment for the electoral process while respecting the rights of every voter and maintaining political neutrality.
The August 31 send-off also carried additional significance as it was held on National Heroes Day, a national observance honoring Filipinos who sacrificed and served the country.
For the soldiers heading to Lanao del Sur, the occasion underscored the connection between military service and the broader ideals of public service, patriotism, courage, and sacrifice.
The deployment represents the fifth wave of additional forces coming from outside BARMM to reinforce security preparations for the upcoming parliamentary elections, further expanding the military’s presence in one of the provinces expected to be closely watched during the electoral exercise.
As September 14 draws closer, the combined deployment of Army units and coordination with civilian security and election authorities is expected to remain focused on one objective: ensuring that the people of Lanao del Sur can participate in the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections in a peaceful, secure, orderly, and democratic environment.