Caraga police officers face charges over BARMM election duties

BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO (BARMM), PHILIPPINES (BUTUAN CITY, CAMP COL. RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, BARANGAY LIBERTAD, SURIGAO DEL NORTE), 13 OCTOBER 2026 —

Malaysian and Philippine Police Forces Recognize Key Roles in Bangsamoro Elections Amid Regional Security Challenges

Rodriguez in Barangay Libertad, Butuan City, highlighted the disciplined deployment of personnel tasked with safeguarding one of the Philippines’ most politically sensitive electoral exercises.

The recognition comes as BARMM, a newly established autonomous region with significant ethnic and political tensions, continues to navigate its first full cycle of elected governance. The elections, held from September 7 to 17, tested the capabilities of security forces deployed from outside the region, including units from Caraga—a region in Mindanao known for its own security challenges.

The awards reflect both the operational challenges faced and the professionalism required to maintain stability during a period when electoral violence risks remain a concern across the Philippines.

The highest honor, the Medalya ng Kadakilaan (PNP Heroism Medal), was awarded to three officers who led security operations during the elections: Captain Joey O. Monato, Lieutenant Rizza O. Mahilum, and Lieutenant Jeanil T. Saraus. Their roles as security team leaders demanded coordination with local authorities, voter protection, and rapid response to potential disruptions—a responsibility that became particularly acute given BARMM’s history of insurgency and communal tensions.

Also receiving the Heroism Medal were Lieutenant Joshua M. Catulia, who commanded the Quick Reaction Force (QRF) deployed to BARMM, and Lieutenant Samuel P. Carbonilla, who oversaw the Special Electoral Boards, ensuring the integrity of polling stations amid heightened security protocols.

The QRF and Special Electoral Boards were among the most critical assets during the elections, with Catulia’s unit tasked with responding to any security breaches or disturbances, while Carbonilla’s team managed the logistical and procedural aspects of voting. Their deployment from September 7 to 17 coincided with the peak of electoral activity, a period when the Commission on Elections (Comelec) had previously warned of potential threats, including armed interference and voter intimidation.

The awards for these officers signal the police’s acknowledgment of their role in mitigating risks that could have derailed the region’s democratic transition.

Four members of the Regional Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit (RECU) 13—Chief Master Sergeant Mar M. Alipayo, Senior Master Sergeant Charliemen C. Cabiad, Master Sergeant Anthony Gil D. Arienza, and Patrolman Karl C. Capundang—were recognized with the Medalya ng Kagalingan (PNP Medal of Merit) for their expertise in bomb disposal and K9 operations.

Their presence was particularly vital given the persistent threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Mindanao, where insurgent groups and criminal syndicates have historically used such tactics to disrupt governance and electoral processes. The unit’s deployment underscored the broader security architecture required to protect BARMM’s electoral infrastructure, which includes polling stations, voter registration centers, and transportation routes.

Brigadier General Rolindo Suguilon, director of PRO-13, framed the awards as a testament to the collective commitment of the region’s police force to uphold professionalism and public service. “Each medal symbolizes not only your individual excellence but also our collective commitment as PRO-13 personnel to upholding integrity, professionalism, and dedicated public service,” Suguilon stated during the ceremony.

His remarks echoed the Philippine police’s broader strategy of reinforcing institutional credibility amid ongoing challenges in Mindanao, where security operations remain a contentious issue in the eyes of both local communities and national policymakers.

The civilian employee honored was Shelly Zezen S. Cabiling, who received the Medalya ng Pagkilala (PNP Recognition Medal) for her 10 years of service as an Administrative Assistant I at the Gigaquit Municipal Police Station in Surigao del Norte. While her role was administrative, her longevity and dedication were noted as foundational to the station’s operational efficiency—a reminder that sustained public service, even in non-combat roles, is essential to the police’s broader mission.

Her recognition also highlights the importance of civilian support staff in maintaining the morale and functionality of police units deployed to high-risk areas.

The awards ceremony took place against the backdrop of BARMM’s ongoing efforts to consolidate its governance structures, a process that has been fraught with challenges, including lingering disputes over resource allocation, territorial claims, and the integration of former insurgent groups into civilian life. The elections themselves were a milestone in the region’s political evolution, marking the first time that BARMM’s legislative body was elected entirely under its autonomous framework.

However, the success of these elections will depend not only on the security measures in place but also on the region’s ability to address underlying grievances and ensure inclusive participation.

For Malaysia and regional observers, the recognition of these Philippine police officers and civilians offers a glimpse into the operational complexities of electoral security in Southeast Asia’s most volatile regions. The deployment of external units like those from Caraga—itself a region with its own security challenges—demonstrates the Philippines’ reliance on coordinated, multi-region security efforts to manage electoral integrity.

It also raises questions about the sustainability of such deployments, particularly as BARMM continues to grapple with long-term governance and security challenges.

In the immediate aftermath of the elections, the Philippine government has signaled its intent to build on the gains made during this electoral cycle, with plans to expand capacity-building programs for local police forces in BARMM. The awards to PRO-13 personnel serve as both a morale booster and a public affirmation of the police’s role in supporting democratic processes in one of the country’s most politically and ethnically diverse regions.

As BARMM moves forward, the lessons learned from this election—particularly in terms of security coordination, civilian-military cooperation, and the management of electoral risks—will be critical in shaping its path toward stable governance.