Philippines Boosts Military Assets for Bangsamoro Election Security

The Armed Forces of the Philippines is set to deploy additional firepower, attack helicopters, and troops to Lanao del Sur to secure the first parliamentary election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The Army’s 1st Infantry Division (ID) announced that the deployment of additional troops and firepower is part of the military’s routine security preparations for the election. Assets to be deployed include Sabrah light tanks, the Army's newest armored tanks, Autonomous Truck Mounted Howitzer System or ATMOS 155mm, and Black Hawk and T129 ATAK helicopters. These assets will provide close air support and enhance mobility, surveillance, and responsiveness of security forces throughout the election period. Troopers from the Army’s 29th and 30th Infantry Battalions will serve as follow-on infantry forces, according to Maj. Gen. Yeggor Rey Barroquillo, chief of the 1st ID. “These security preparations are intended to deter lawless armed elements from resorting to violence, intimidation or other acts that may threaten the safety and security of the people, particularly during the election period,” the 1st ID stated. The deployment of additional military firepower comes after a brigade leader of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Abdullah Macapaar, alias Commander Bravo, stated that government forces would not be allowed to enter MILF communities without coordination from the organization. Macapaar issued this statement after a convoy of armed MILF men from Lanao del Sur was stopped by soldiers and police in Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte on September 2. Meanwhile, up to 9,821 police officers will be deployed to secure voters, election officers, polling centers, and other vital installations during the BARMM election on September 14. The Philippine National Police said a majority of the officers would come from the Bangsamoro police and the rest from other units serving as augmentation forces. The officers will secure 4,313 voting sites, 208 personnel of the Commission on Elections, and 218 treasurer’s offices.