Helicopters, more troops to help secure Bangsamoro election

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - The Armed Forces of the Philippines will deploy additional fire power, attack helicopters and troops in Lanao del Sur to secure the first parliamentary election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The Army's 1st Infantry Division (ID) said yesterday that the deployment of additional troops and firepower is part of the military's routine security preparations for the election.

Among the assets to be deployed are Sabrah light tanks, the newest armored tank acquired by the Army; Autonomous Truck Mounted Howitzer System or ATMOS 155mm, and Black Hawk and T129 ATAK helicopters.

The assets will provide close air support and enhance mobility, surveillance and responsiveness of security forces throughout the election period.

The troopers, who will come from the Army's 29th and 30th Infantry Battalions, will serve as follow-on infantry forces, according to Maj. Gen. Yeggor Rey Barroquillo, chief of the 1st ID.