Davao: The Philippine Army's 67th Infantry Battalion (67IB) has been deployed to the area of responsibility of the 601st Infantry Brigade (601Bde) in Maguindanao Del Sur as part of security preparations for the Sept. 14 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE). Before this deployment, the 67IB was stationed in Baganga, Davao Oriental. The movement was officially launched during a send-off ceremony led by Brig. Gen. Gremel Brual, commander of the 601Bde.
According to Philippines News Agency, the soldiers from the 67IB will be positioned in various areas of concern in Maguindanao del Sur, particularly in the municipalities of Datu Piang, Shariff Aguak, and Ampatuan. Brig. Gen. Brual emphasized to the troops that their mission extends beyond providing security, as they play a crucial role in creating a safe environment where residents can freely exercise their right to vote. He urged the soldiers to perform their duties with discipline, integrity, and compassion.
The deployment aims to strengthen security and support the orderly conduct of the parliamentary elections. The 601Bde will continue coordinating with the Philippine National Police, Commission on Elections, local government units, and other stakeholders to maintain peace and order during the elections.
In a related development, Department of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary Angelito M. De Leon and Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Mario C. Marasigan met with Brig. Gen. Ricky Bunayog, commander of the Army's 6th Infantry Division, as the regional elections draw near. This meeting was conducted under the Energy Task Force Election (ETFE) Security Group to enhance coordination among government agencies, security forces, and energy stakeholders.
The discussions focused on the Mindanao Power Outlook and the security status of critical energy facilities within the BARMM. Brig. Gen. Bunayog highlighted the importance of protecting critical energy infrastructure to ensure the continuity of power supply during the elections. He affirmed the 6ID's commitment to collaborating with the DND, DOE, local government, law enforcement, and energy partners to address security concerns and ensure a safe and peaceful election.
