Helicopters, more troops to help secure Bangsamoro election

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines —  The Armed Forces of the Philippines will deploy additional fire power, attack helicopters and troops in 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) said yesterday that the deployment of additional troops and firepower is part of the military’s routine security preparations for the election.

Among the assets to be deployed are Sabrah light tanks, the newest armored tank acquired by the Army; Autonomous Truck Mounted Howitzer System or ATMOS 155mm, and Black Hawk and T129 ATAK helicopters.

The assets will provide close air support and enhance mobility, surveillance and responsiveness of security forces throughout the election period.

The troopers, who will come 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 said in a statement.

The deployment of additional military firepower came after a brigade leader of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Abdullah Macapaar, alias Commander Bravo, said that government forces would not be allowed to enter MILF communities without coordination from the organization.

Macapaar issued the statement after a convoy of armed MILF men from Lanao del Sur was pulled over by sol­diers and police in Kolam­bugan, Lanao del Norte on Sept. 2.

Meanwhile, up to 9,821 police officers will secure voters, election officers, polling centers and other vital installations during the conduct of the BARMM election on Sept. 14.

The Philippine National Police said a majority of the officers would come from the Bangsamoro police and the rest from other units who will serve as augmentation forces.

The officers will secure 4,313 voting sites, 208 personnel of the Commission on Elections and 218 treasurer’s offices. – Emmanuel Tupas