Army deploys 329 soldiers for election support, assigns additional troops to BARMM

The Philippine Army on Saturday said it has deployed troops and military assets on standby as an election contingency force, augmenting the peace and order operations for the 2025 midterm elections.

Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said the contingency force is composed of 329 soldiers completing Civil Disturbance Management (CDM), K-9, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Medical, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) teams.

Meanwhile, a total of 31 assets, including military trucks and ambulances, have been placed on standby to respond to any contingencies.

Dema-ala added that all Philippine Army Emergency Response Companies (ERCs) have been placed under Blue Alert Status from 11-14 May 2025, to ensure readiness in responding to any contingencies that may arise during the election period.

To recall, various Philippine Army Major Units (PAMUs) have also deployed 23,591 personnel to perform election duties nationwide.

Additionally, 21,509 personnel were placed on standby alert as of 9 May 2025, to respond to any potential contingencies.

In a statement, Army Chief Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido emphasized the Philippine Army’s dual role during the election period.

"Army units are also operating under dual modes: Election Mode and Combat Mode to ensure the continuity of both electoral duties and ongoing internal security operations," he said.

He underscored their commitment not only to securing the elections but also to maintaining broader national stability.

“We are committed to maintaining national stability by continuing our operations against threat groups while also assisting with the transport of poll materials and ensuring the safety of election personnel,” Galido noted.

BARMM reinforced

Meanwhile, 6th Infantry Division (6ID) commander, MGen. Donald Gumiran, said a contingent from the 53rd Division Reconnaissance Company (53rd DRC) arrived Friday afternoon at the Tactical Operations Group headquarters in Central Mindanao aboard a Philippine Air Force C-130 aircraft.

Gumiran said the elite troops were deployed to reinforce the operational strength of the 90th Infantry Battalion, which is currently responsible for ensuring security in key areas within the 6ID's "area of responsibility."

The 53rd Division Reconnaissance Company, composed of approximately 500 officers, will support the 90th Infantry Battalion in maintaining security across several towns in North Cotabato and parts of the Special Geographic Area within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

These areas have been designated as election “hot spots” by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Gumiran, who also serves as chief of Joint Task Force Central, said the deployment forms part of the military’s comprehensive security measures aimed at ensuring the smooth conduct of the upcoming elections.

“The arrival of additional troops is part of our intensified security measures. Our goal is to ensure a safe, peaceful, orderly, clean, and credible election. We support the Comelec and other agencies in upholding democratic integrity," Gumiran said.

Currently, around 5,000 military personnel are stationed within the 6th Infantry Division’s area of operations to help maintain order during the election period.