3 Army battalions to secure BARMM plebiscite

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Three Army battalions will be deployed during a plebiscite to ratify the creation of eight towns in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, 6th Infantry Division (ID) commander, said soldiers belonging to the 90th, 34th and 6th Infantry Battalions would be deployed for the political exercise.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) set the plebiscite on April 13.

The eight towns will be created out of 63 barangays in Cotabato to form part of the Special Geographic Area of the Bangsamoro region.

The BARMM parliament approved the creation of Pahamudin, Kadayangan, Nabalawag, Old Kaabakan, Kapalawan, Malidegao, Tugunan and Ligawasan towns last year following consultations with various stakeholders.

“While there is no threat to the safety of the April 13 plebiscite in these areas, we want to show residents that the 6th ID is all out in supporting the Mindanao peace process... which aims to promote progress in BARMM via governance,” Rillera said.

Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Taliño Mendoza and Cotabato first district Rep. Samantha Santos said they would assist the Comelec, Soccsksargen police and 6th ID to ensure the smooth conduct of the plebiscite.

Mendoza, chairperson of the Regional Development Council, said the socioeconomic growth of the 63 Bangsamoro barangays will boost the economy in Cotabato.

“Most importantly, this is all about the Mindanao peace process that I and mayors here are patronizing extensively,” she said.