COTABATO CITY — The security mission of the 72nd Infantry (Gabay) Battalion, 10th Infantry (Agila) Division of the Philippine Army, continues in Cotabato City even after the close of voting in the historic 2026 Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Election.
With election security operations completed, the battalion has maintained a heightened security posture across the city in coordination with the Joint Task Force Central, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The continued deployment underscores the security forces’ transition from direct election-related duties to broader peace and stability operations as Cotabato City moves beyond the electoral period.
Security Operations Continue Beyond Election Day
According to the 72nd Infantry Battalion, its troops continue to conduct mobile patrols, strategic checkpoints, area monitoring, intelligence validation and community engagement across identified areas of concern.
The measures are intended to deter potential security threats, prevent possible retaliatory violence and help maintain public order following the elections.
The battalion said these activities are being carried out through lawful, coordinated and impartial security operations, with emphasis on respecting the rights and dignity of residents.
Lt. Col. Pablo M. Masa-ad, commanding officer of the 72nd Infantry Battalion, said the unit’s responsibility did not end with the closing of polling places or the completion of election-related security duties.
“Our mission did not end when the last ballot was cast. Our responsibility continues as we help preserve the peace and ensure that the people of Cotabato City can move forward safely and confidently,” Masa-ad said.
He said troops must remain vigilant without becoming intrusive, firm without becoming provocative, and responsive while maintaining impartiality.
Protecting the Conditions for Democracy
Before their deployment for the 2026 BARMM Parliamentary Election, troops of the 72nd Infantry Battalion were reminded that their role was to protect the electoral process rather than influence it.
During the send-off ceremony for the GABAY Troopers, Maj. Gen. Alvin V. Luzon, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, told the soldiers that their responsibility was to uphold the law and preserve peace while ensuring that their presence would not interfere with the exercise of voters’ rights.
“Your mission is clear: protect the process, uphold the law, and preserve the peace,” Luzon said.
He emphasized that soldiers were deployed to create the conditions necessary for democracy to function, rather than to influence electoral outcomes.
The continued presence of the 72IB in Cotabato City reflects that same principle as the city transitions from election security to sustained peace and stability operations.
From Election Security to Sustained Peace
The battalion said its post-election presence is intended to provide security assurance while helping prevent incidents that could threaten public safety.
Community engagement remains part of the effort, alongside patrols, checkpoints and intelligence validation.
Residents have been urged to remain calm and vigilant, avoid spreading unverified information and immediately report suspicious activities or security concerns to the nearest police station, military detachment, checkpoint or appropriate government authority.
The appeal comes as authorities continue efforts to maintain stability after a closely watched parliamentary election in the Bangsamoro region.
For the 72IB, the post-election period is not viewed simply as the end of an operation but as another phase of its security responsibility.
The “Heart of A.G.I.L.A.”
The battalion has framed its continued service around the “Heart of A.G.I.L.A.,” which it describes through the values of Accountability, Growth, Integrity, Loyalty and Achievement through Excellence.
The Army unit said these principles are expected to guide its soldiers not only during major security operations but also in routine engagements with communities.
For the GABAY Troopers, the responsibility extends beyond protecting election personnel, polling places and election materials. It also involves helping preserve public confidence and ensuring that residents can safely return to their normal activities.
The battalion said its soldiers are expected to remain disciplined, professional and impartial as they perform their duties.
As Cotabato City moves beyond the electoral period, the 72nd Infantry Battalion said its commitment to peace and security remains in place.
For the GABAY Troopers, the conclusion of election operations marks not the end of service, but a continuation of their responsibility to protect communities, maintain stability and support public safety.
Serving. Protecting. Guiding.