The Philippine Army has deployed approximately 1,700 personnel across Basilan to support security operations for the 2026 Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Parliamentary Elections (BPE), with augmentation forces formally welcomed during a ceremony in Lamitan City on September 9, 2026.
The 1101st Infantry "Gagandilan" Brigade, led by Brigadier General Frederick M. Sales, received personnel from the 100th Infantry "Kalasag" Battalion, the 102nd Division Reconnaissance Company, and the 111st Division Reconnaissance Company at the Magwakit Training Center in Barangay Colonia, Lamitan City, according to a statement released by the 11th Infantry "Alakdan" Division of the Philippine Army.
Forces Assembled at Lamitan City Ceremony
The welcome and send-off ceremony at Magwakit Training Center marked the formal integration of augmentation units into the Brigade's election security structure. The combined force of roughly 1,700 personnel will be deployed at various points across Basilan in support of the BPE security operations.
Brig. Gen. Sales addressed the assembled troops during the ceremony, underscoring the Brigade's months of advance preparation for the electoral mission.
"We have prepared long enough for this. We deliberately planned for this, and we are ready to perform to the best of our abilities," Brig. Gen. Sales said, according to the division's statement.
Sales Cites Deliberate Planning and Close Coordination
Brig. Gen. Sales told personnel that the Brigade's readiness was the product of deliberate planning, close coordination with partner agencies, and sustained training conducted well in advance of election day. He stressed that all troops must strictly adhere to the mandate of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and observe established election security procedures.
He specifically directed personnel to maintain close coordination with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), the Philippine National Police (PNP), local government units, and other concerned stakeholders throughout the conduct of security operations.
Brig. Gen. Sales also reminded troops to uphold professionalism, discipline, impartiality, and respect for the rights of every voter — principles he described as central to the AFP's role in any electoral process.
Division Commander Peña Stresses Nonpartisan Role
Major General Leonardo I. Peña, Commander of the 11th Infantry "Alakdan" Division and Joint Task Force Orion, also addressed the troops at the ceremony. According to the division's statement, Maj. Gen. Peña reminded soldiers that their role is to help create a safe and secure environment where the democratic process can proceed freely and peacefully.
He emphasized that every soldier must remain professional, impartial, and respectful of the people they are sworn to serve and protect, reinforcing the AFP's commitment to a nonpartisan posture throughout the electoral period.
Troops to Fan Out Across Basilan for Voter Protection
Following the ceremony, augmentation forces proceeded to their respective areas of deployment across the province. The 11th Infantry Division said the reinforced units will contribute to maintaining a security environment in which every Basileño can exercise the right to vote freely, safely, and without fear.
The 1101st Infantry "Gagandilan" Brigade, together with its attached and supporting units and partner stakeholders, said it remains committed to safeguarding the peaceful conduct of the 2026 BARMM Parliamentary Elections. The Brigade further stated that all personnel are directed to carry out their duties in accordance with the law, established election security guidelines, and the AFP's mandate to remain nonpartisan throughout the electoral process.
By the Numbers
- ~1,700 — Philippine Army personnel set for deployment across Basilan for election security
- 3 — augmentation units received: 100th Infantry "Kalasag" Battalion, 102nd Division Reconnaissance Company, and 111st Division Reconnaissance Company
- September 9, 2026 — date of the welcome and send-off ceremony at Magwakit Training Center, Barangay Colonia, Lamitan City
Why This Matters
The deployment of 1,700 Army personnel in Basilan represents a significant security commitment ahead of the 2026 BARMM Parliamentary Elections, a landmark electoral exercise for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. Military leadership has directed troops to coordinate directly with COMELEC, the PNP, and local government units to ensure that voters can cast their ballots without intimidation or disruption. The operation reflects the AFP's stated mandate to support a credible, peaceful, and orderly electoral process in a region where election-related security concerns have historically required sustained military presence.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of the 11th Infantry "Alakdan" Division, Philippine Army