Ensuring Election Integrity Remains Paramount

Ensuring Election Integrity Remains Paramount

The Big 541: Davao Region's Security Force Heads to BARMM for 2025 Elections

Some 541 safety and security personnel, deemed the "Big 541" crew, are set to transfer from the Davao Region to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) ahead of the 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE).

Out of these 541 personnel, 500 hail from the Police Regional Office-Davao Region (PRO-Davao) and 41 come from the maritime units, who will serve as members of the Special Electoral Board.

The send-off ceremony for the Multi-Agency Security Forces and Special Electoral Boards (SEB) took place on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at Camp Sgt. Quintin Merecido in Buhangin, Davao City.

According to Police Brigadier General Leon Victor Z. Rosete, the regional director of PRO-Davao, these security forces will diligently secure ballot stations, control access, prevent any unauthorized entry, manage crowds, and resolve disputes peacefully.

"Our officers meticulously secure polling places, control access, and prevent any unauthorized entry. They'll work round the clock to maintain peace and order, manage crowds, and peacefully resolve disputes," he said.

Atty. Michael C. Abas, regional director of the Commission on Elections-Davao, stated that this move of stationing 541 personnel to BARMM is a "constitutionally mandated effort" aimed at securing the voting process, safeguarding election integrity, and addressing potential complications during election season, especially in areas where violence has been a concern in previous elections.

"It's not just about ensuring security, you too will be helping the commission to deliver clean and fair elections for every Filipino regardless of the location," he added.

Abas revealed that 807 cops from PRO-Davao will be members of the electoral board, with 500 of them being stationed in BARMM during this temporary deployment. He mentioned that these cops will be crucial as electoral board members during the voting day.

Abas pointed out that in some areas, such as Cotabato City, electoral board members will be selected on the day of the elections. He emphasized the need for police presence during the draw as it could help address the challenges that may surface during the hotly contested election. The selected police officers who will be stationed as electoral board members in BARMM are not from the region.

Rosete also revealed that a total of 12,168 safety and security personnel have been assigned across the entire region for the 2025 NLE. Breakdown includes 1,557 from the 10th Infantry Division, 184 from the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM), 195 from the Bureau of Fire Protection, and 10,232 from PRO-Davao. (Rojean Grace G. Patumbon)

Note: The 541 personnel from the Davao Region, deployed to BARMM for the 2025 elections, will primarily focus on upholding election integrity and security. Roles include:

1. Security reinforcement: To reinforce local forces safeguarding polling stations, election materials, and personnel against potential threats.
2. Crime deterrence: To help prevent election-related offenses such as voter intimidation, harassment, or sabotage.
3. Crisis response: To act as rapid deployment units for emergencies, including communal tensions that may arise during the electoral process.

These deployments reflect broader efforts aimed at ensuring peace in BARMM where ongoing security challenges necessitate external support during high-stakes events like elections. Although the exact scope of their authority and operational protocols remain anonymous in available reports, they will likely coordinate with various agencies to enforce election laws.

1. The 541 personnel, known as the "Big 541" crew, are being transferred from Davao Region to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) for the 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE).
2. The security forces will primarily focus on upholding election integrity and security, with roles including security reinforcement, crime deterrence, and crisis response.
3. Police Brigadier General Leon Victor Z. Rosete, the regional director of PRO-Davao, stated that these officers will secure polling places, control access, prevent unauthorized entry, manage crowds, and peacefully resolve disputes.
4. Atty. Michael C. Abas, regional director of the Commission on Elections-Davao, mentioned that this move is a "constitutionally mandated effort" aimed at securing the voting process, safeguarding election integrity, and addressing potential complications during election season.
5. Abas revealed that approximately 807 cops from PRO-Davao will be members of the electoral board, with 500 of them being stationed in BARMM during this temporary deployment.
6. Rosete also mentioned that a total of 12,168 safety and security personnel have been assigned across the entire region for the 2025 NLE, with various agencies contributing, including the 10th Infantry Division, Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao, Bureau of Fire Protection, and PRO-Davao.

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