Westmincom augments forces to secure first BARMM poll

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Additional forces will be deployed to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to ensure security for the first BARMM parliamentary election in September, the Western Mindanao Command announced.

Westmincom spokesman Col. Roden Orbon said additional two infantry battalions have been requested to secure the poll on Sept. 14.

“This does not mean that the election in BARMM is chaotic. This is just part of the security preparations and is a proactive measure,” Orbon said, adding that the units would come from the Eastern Mindanao Command.

According to Orbon, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police and the Commission on Elections would convene for a joint intelligence committee meeting.

“This is when we determine if a place will be considered as a high or low risk area. Once identified, it will be tagged as an area of concern,” he said.

Orbon added that additional forces would be deployed in the identified areas to strengthen security measures.