EU election observers arrive in Basilan to monitor 2025 polls

A team from the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU-EOM) arrived in Isabela City, Basilan this week to observe the full electoral process of the 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE).

Brig. Gen. Alvin V. Luzon, Commander of the 101st Infantry Brigade, met with EU-EOM team leaders Gonzalo Jorro Martinez and Bambi Badibangova at a local venue on Wednesday. During their discussion, the observers detailed the mission’s mandate to assess the elections in line with the Philippine Constitution and international democratic standards.

Luzon welcomed the mission as a historic milestone — the first time the Philippine government has invited the EU to deploy an official election observation team for the NLE.

“The Brigade, along with its operationally controlled units, is fully prepared for the 2025 elections. Our troops have been strategically deployed throughout the province, and additional elite forces have been assigned to reinforce our security efforts,” Luzon said.

The meeting highlighted the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) commitment to upholding democratic values in coordination with international partners.

Among the attendees were Col. Frederick M. Sales, Lt. Col. Adolf Ian M. Garceron, Police Brig. Gen. Romeo Espero Jr., and election officials including Atty. Muamar Guyo and Atty. Mohaimen U. Alih.

Separately, the 101st Infantry Brigade formally welcomed the 20th Special Forces Company (SFC) to reinforce Basilan’s security posture ahead of the elections. The unit, led by Capt. Mark John M. Panlaqui, was stationed at the 14th Special Forces Company headquarters in Lamitan City.

Maj. Gen. Leonardo I. Peña, Commander of Joint Task Force Orion, was commended by Brig. Gen. Luzon for the timely deployment of additional forces to Basilan.

Luzon said the reinforcement will play a crucial role in deterring threats, protecting voters, and ensuring a peaceful election season. He also reiterated the 101st Infantry Brigade’s commitment to working closely with the Philippine National Police, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), and other stakeholders to maintain stability and public safety across the province.