Security forces and government agencies convened at Headquarters 6th Infantry Division, Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, on September 16, 2026, to conduct a post-election peace and security assessment following the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines Peace and Development Office (AFPPDO), in coordination with the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division (6ID) and partner government agencies, led the activity, which focused on reviewing security operations, sharing observations, and drawing lessons to improve future electoral security planning.
Bunayog, Iyog Lead Multi-Agency Review
The assessment was spearheaded by Brig. Gen. Ricky P. Bunayog, Acting Division Commander of 6ID and Joint Task Force (JTF) Central, together with Col. Alvin G. Iyog, Chief of the AFP Peace and Development Office, and their respective staff officers, according to a statement from 6ID.
Representatives from the Philippine Air Force, the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), the Peace and Development Office, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), the Joint Peace and Security Team, and other government agencies participated in the proceedings.
Discussions centered on inter-agency coordination, security planning, and operational improvements ahead of future elections, the statement said.
Bunayog Cites Ground-Level Preparedness and Coordination
Brig. Gen. Bunayog thanked the security forces, government agencies, local government units, and partner organizations for their collective efforts in keeping communities safe throughout the electoral process.
"The successful conduct of the elections reflected what agencies can achieve when they work together with a shared commitment to peace, public safety, and the democratic process," Bunayog was quoted as saying in the 6ID statement.
He specifically recognized the dedication of personnel deployed on the ground, crediting their preparedness, timely response, and close coordination with preventing security incidents from disrupting voters' right to participate in the polls.
6ID Commits to Continued Apolitical, Professional Stance
As the post-election period begins, 6ID and JTF Central stated they remain committed to maintaining an apolitical, professional, and responsive posture in the region.
According to the 6ID statement, the division will continue to monitor the security situation in Central and South-Central Mindanao, address emerging concerns, and build on lessons learned from the election period to further strengthen community protection efforts.
Why This Matters
The post-election assessment underscores the critical role of sustained inter-agency coordination in safeguarding democratic processes in the BARMM, a region with a complex security landscape. By systematically reviewing what worked during the parliamentary elections, security forces and government agencies aim to translate operational lessons into stronger protocols for future polls. The continued commitment of 6ID and JTF Central to a professional, apolitical stance is intended to maintain public trust and stability in Central and South-Central Mindanao during the sensitive post-election period.
Photo courtesy of the Armed Forces of the Philippines / 6th Infantry Division