MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur — The Philippine Army’s 4th Mechanized Infantry (KALASAG) Battalion has deployed additional troops and armored assets as part of security preparations for the forthcoming 1st BARMM Parliamentary Election, with the military saying the forces will help protect communities and allow qualified voters to cast their ballots safely and freely.
A send-off ceremony was held on September 11, 2026, in Marawi City under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Eugene C. Flores, commanding officer of the 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, Armor Division, Philippine Army.
The deployment involves personnel from the 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, along with troops from the 9th Special Forces Company, 2nd Civil-Military Operations Company, 1st Civil-Military Operations Battalion, and the 11th Division Reconnaissance Company.
According to the Army, the participating units will operate as a coordinated security force to strengthen peace and order measures in communities during the election period.
The troops and armored vehicles are expected to be strategically positioned in areas where their presence is considered necessary to reinforce security, protect communities, deter potential threats and support the orderly conduct of election-related activities.
The Army said the deployment forms part of its continuing support to government agencies tasked with maintaining peace and security during elections.
It emphasized that the military presence in Marawi City, including the deployment of armored vehicles, is intended as a proactive security measure and should not be interpreted as a cause for alarm.
The Army also assured residents of Marawi City and communities across the Bangsamoro region that its personnel would remain professional, disciplined and impartial and would operate within the bounds of the law.
The military stressed that its role is not to interfere with the electoral process but to provide security so qualified voters can exercise their constitutional right without fear or intimidation.
The deployment comes as security preparations intensify ahead of the first parliamentary election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), a major political exercise that will determine the composition of the region’s first elected parliament under the Bangsamoro political transition.
The Army’s security role, however, places particular importance on discipline and political neutrality, given the sensitive nature of elections in the Bangsamoro, where communities have historically experienced armed conflict, political violence and clan-related disputes.
During the send-off ceremony, Rev. Fr. Jomil Baring led prayers for the safety of the deploying troops and the successful conduct of the election. He also blessed the personnel, invoking guidance, protection and peace throughout the election period.
The KALASAG Battalion likewise appealed to the public to remain calm, vigilant and cooperative as security forces are deployed.
Residents were urged to rely on verified information from official and credible sources and to refrain from spreading unconfirmed reports, rumors and misinformation that could create unnecessary fear or tension in communities.
The Army also encouraged the public to report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
The military said cooperation among voters, communities, government agencies, security forces and other stakeholders would be essential to maintaining a peaceful environment throughout the electoral process.
For the 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, the mission extends beyond the movement of troops and armored vehicles. It said the deployment represents its commitment to protecting communities in Marawi City and contributing to a secure environment in which Bangsamoro voters can participate peacefully in the region’s historic parliamentary election.
As election day approaches, the effectiveness of the security deployment will depend not only on the presence of armed forces but also on adherence to election laws, respect for voters’ rights, political neutrality and close coordination among the security sector, election authorities, local governments and communities.
The 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion said it remains committed to supporting a safe, peaceful, orderly and credible electoral process while respecting the right of every qualified voter to participate freely in the first BARMM Parliamentary Election.