1st Infantry "Tabak" Division, Philippine Army

21/09/2026

20/09/2026

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: TABAK TROOPS RETURN HOME AFTER SUCCESSFUL LANAO DEL SUR ELECTION MISSION

CAMP MAJ CESAR L. SANG-AN, LABANGAN, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR — September 18, 2026 — The 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division welcomed home and formally deactivated its Provisional Battalions following the successful completion of their security mission in Lanao del Sur in support of the historic first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections on September 14, 2026. The welcome and deactivation ceremony was presided over by Major General Yegor Rey P. Barroquillo Jr., Commander, 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division, who personally received the returning troops and awarded deserving personnel in recognition of their dedication and commitment to duty.

The Provisional Battalions were among the additional forces deployed to reinforce the security posture in Lanao del Sur and help ensure a safe, peaceful, and orderly electoral process. Their deployment, together with personnel from various units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), supporting the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and Local Government Units (LGUs), contributed to an environment where the people could freely exercise their right to vote. Lanao del Sur recorded zero violent incidents throughout the election period, reflecting the collective efforts of the security forces and partner agencies. With the election mission successfully accomplished, peaceful conditions were sustained and conditions were set for strong deterrence against potential post-election threats.

General Barroquillo commended the Officers and Enlisted Personnel for their discipline, professionalism, and unwavering dedication throughout the mission. With their task accomplished, the Provisional Battalions were formally deactivated, bringing to a close a mission defined by commitment and service. Their personnel returned to their respective units and offices, proud to have played a vital role in ensuring the peaceful and orderly elections and in helping establish a secure and stable environment for the Bangsamoro people.

16/09/2026

LANAO DEL SUR MAKES HISTORY: A PEACEFUL FIRST BANGSAMORO PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION

CAMP SANG-AN, LABANGAN, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR — Lanao del Sur has written a defining chapter in the history of the Bangsamoro, as its people successfully and peacefully exercised their right to vote during the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections on September 14, 2026.

Accounting for approximately 30 percent of the registered voters in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Lanao del Sur carried a significant share of the responsibility for the success of this historic electoral exercise. Remarkably, the province recorded zero violent incidents throughout the election period, including the conduct of voting, a powerful testament to the people’s growing commitment to peace, order, and democratic participation.

Equally historic was the participation of former Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) combatants in the electoral process, reflecting a profound transformation from armed struggle toward democratic and political participation. Their presence at the polling places stands as a meaningful symbol of the peace process, demonstrating that aspirations, differences, and competing visions for the future can be expressed through dialogue and democracy rather than through violence and armed conflict.

The peaceful conduct of the elections is more than the absence of violence. It is a reflection of a people choosing peace. It demonstrates that when communities, leaders, security forces, and institutions work together, the democratic process can take root and flourish even in areas once affected by conflict.

The 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division extends its deepest appreciation to the TABAK troopers, Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel, and other Army and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) units who served with honor, discipline, dedication, and professionalism in securing the elections. Their commitment helped ensure that the people could exercise their sacred right to vote in a safe and peaceful environment.

The Division likewise recognizes the vital cooperation of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), Local Government Units, community leaders, stakeholders, and, most importantly, the people of Lanao del Sur whose cooperation and determination made this historic achievement possible.

Lanao del Sur has shown that the journey from conflict to peace can be strengthened through democracy. Its peaceful elections mark another meaningful and powerful step toward lasting peace, stability, and a stronger culture of democratic participation in the Bangsamoro.

11/09/2026

𝐆𝐏𝐇, 𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐅 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥, 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐨 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

​CAMP BILAL, MUNAI, LANAO DEL NORTE — High-ranking military, police, and peace officials met with commanders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (M**F) today at Camp Bilal to solidify coordination mechanisms for a peaceful, orderly, fair, and credible 2026 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE).

​The high-level security dialogue brought together Bangsamoro Parliament Member (MP) Abdullah "Bravo" Macapaar alongside fellow base commanders of the M**F–Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) Northwestern Mindanao Front Command, Brig. Gen. Bernardo Taqueban, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, and Police Major Pandapatan Tataan, Chief of Police of Munai.

​Former Undersecretary David B. Diciano represented the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) to facilitate discussions between MP Macapaar, the military leadership, and the police.

​The dialogue focused on synchronizing ground-level security measures, establishing direct lines of communication, and mitigating potential flashpoints in Lanao del Norte and adjacent communities ahead of the regional polls.

​Highlighting the importance of sustained collaboration, Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento emphasized the strategic value of early engagement between former combatants and state security forces:

​"This meeting was convened to reaffirm all parties' steadfast commitment to the peace process. Sustaining open dialogue and operational synergy on the ground guarantees that the democratic voice of the Bangsamoro people can be expressed freely, securely, and without disruption,” Sarmiento said, who is also the concurrent chair of the Government Peace Implementing Panel.

​The engagement builds on earlier institutional milestones achieved by both sides, notably the signing of updated operational guidelines for the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG). These refined protocols strengthen joint responses to local conflicts, criminal threats, and peace-mechanism monitoring during sensitive transition milestones such as regional elections.

​Both the security sector and BIAF-M**F commanders pledged continued transparency, proactive de-escalation, and shared responsibility to safeguard regional stability and foster an environment conducive to an honest and orderly democratic exercise. ​ # # #

10/09/2026

AFP TO DEPLOY SABRAH TANKS, ATMOS ARTILLERY, ATTACK HELIS, AND MORE TROOPS FOR BPE SECURITY IN LANAO

CAMP SANG-AN, LABANGAN, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is set to deploy Sabrah light tanks, ATMOS 155mm wheeled self-propelled artillery systems, additional ground troops, and air assets to Lanao del Sur as part of its routine election security preparations and enhanced measures for the upcoming Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE) on September 14, 2026.

The deployment forms part of the AFP’s regular election security measures, which include the strategic positioning and movement of troops and assets to areas requiring additional security support. The Sabrah light tanks and ATMOS 155mm wheeled self-propelled artillery systems will augment the armored and fire support assets already prepositioned in Lanao, alongside the 10 battalions currently deployed in the area. The 29th and 30th Infantry Battalions will also be deployed as follow-on infantry forces, while Black Hawk and T129 ATAK helicopters will be committed to the BPE security effort to provide aviation support and enhance the mobility, surveillance, and responsiveness of security forces throughout the election period.

These security preparations are intended to deter lawless armed elements from resorting to violence, intimidation, or other acts that may threaten the safety and security of the people, particularly during the election period. The AFP emphasizes that the deployment of additional forces and assets is preventive and protective in nature and should not cause alarm among local communities. Rather, it is designed to help create a secure environment that will encourage all duly registered voters to come out and exercise their right to vote freely and without fear or intimidation.

The 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division assures the people of Lanao that the strengthened security posture reflects the AFP’s continuing commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and a secure environment. Through the coordinated deployment of troops and assets, the AFP will help ensure the safe, peaceful, and orderly conduct of the elections.

Ctto 📸

02/09/2026