THE 10TH Infantry Division deployed two more infantry battalions to reinforce ongoing security operations in support of the 2026 Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections.
A total of 642 personnel from the 27th Infantry Battalion and 72nd Infantry Battalion, along with 19 military trucks and a military ambulance, were deployed to augment existing 10ID forces and reinforce the election security efforts of the 6th and 11th Infantry Divisions within their respective areas of responsibility.
With the latest deployment, the overall 10ID force committed in support of the 2026 BARMM Parliamentary Elections now stands at 1,444 personnel, supported by 43 military trucks and eight Wheeled Armored Vehicles (WAVs).
The deployed forces will work closely with partner units and stakeholders to help ensure a safe, peaceful, orderly, and credible electoral process in BARMM.
Major General Alvin Luzon, commander of the 10ID, personally led the send-off ceremonies for the deploying troops.
The 27IB held its send-off on Sept. 10, 2026, at its headquarters in Sitio Pag-asa, Barangay Malabog, Paquibato District, Davao City, while the 72IB conducted its send-off on Sept. 11, 2026, at its headquarters in Sitio Guitawan, Barangay Poblacion, Arakan, Cotabato Province.
Luzon emphasized that the deployment is intended to help create a secure and stable environment where the people can exercise their right to vote peacefully, safely, and without fear.
“You will be part of a larger effort to ensure that our people can exercise their right to vote in an environment that is peaceful, secure, and free from fear,” Maj. Gen. Luzon said.
He likewise reminded the troops to uphold political neutrality, respect the law and human rights, and exercise discipline and restraint throughout their deployment.
Securing elections
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a peaceful and credible voting process on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026.
Top military officials, led by AFP Chief of Staff Antonio G. Nafarrete, gathered at Camp Siongco on Friday, Sept. 11, for a comprehensive Security and Situation Updates Briefing to align troop readiness and operational strategies across the region.
Key defense leaders present included Philippine Army Commanding General Donald M. Gumiran, Western Mindanao Command acting chief MGEN Jose Vladimir R. Cagara, and 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central acting commander BGEN Ricky P. Bunayog.
Nafarrete emphasized that the military will strictly enforce the Commission on Elections’ mandate to guarantee that every citizen can vote without intimidation or interference.
“Our mission is clear—to ensure a peaceful, orderly, and credible election; ensure the safety of our voters so that they can cast their votes; and prevent any election-related violence,” Gen. Nafarrete said.
He urged all political actors and local communities to respect the democratic process, warning against illegal practices designed to compromise the election.
