Philippine Army Deploys Sabrah Light Tanks for First Operational Mission

13 September 2026

Sabrah light tank to support election-security mission in Mindanao (photos: Pambato)

Armor Division deploys for historic BARMM elecytions; reactivates DMIC to boost readiness 

Camp O'Donnel., Brgy. Sta. Lucia, Capas, Tarlac — The Armor (Pambato) Division, Philippine Army, led by Major General Ronel R. Manalo PA, conducted a send-off ceremony for Tank Platoons, a Security Platoon, and the Division Mechanized Infantry Company (DMIC) – Dismounted, alongside its formal reactivation, at the Pambato Clubhouse. These actions support the Philippine Army’s election-security mission for the historic first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections on September 14, 2026.

The deployment of forces underscores the Armor Division’s distinct role as the Philippine Army’s decisive arm, capable of delivering overwhelming firepower, rapid maneuver, and unyielding force protection in support of national objectives. Tank Platoons serve as visible deterrence and rapid-response capability; the Security Platoon fortifies ground stability; and the DMIC expands operational reach, strengthening forces in Mindanao to ensure absolute readiness and flexibility throughout election duty.

In his remarks, Major General Manalo emphasized the solemnity of the mission:

“This mission goes beyond securing polling places — it is about safeguarding democracy, protecting the people’s voice, and ensuring peace prevails at this defining moment in our nation’s history.”

He further noted that the DMIC reaffirms the Division’s commitment to modernization and readiness, serving as an agile force multiplier ready to respond decisively to emerging challenges. He emphasized that the mission tests the Division’s core principles of Respect, Relevance, and Mettle (RRM), and expressed full confidence that troops would carry out their duties with honor, resilience, and unity — upholding the Philippine Army’s STRONG principles of Stewardship, Transformation, Readiness, Organizational Development, Nation-Building, and God-Centered Leadership.

The Armor Division stands ready to fulfill its mandate, affirming the Army’s enduring commitment to defending democracy, preserving peace, and safeguarding the aspirations of the Filipino people. (Philippine Army)

ATMOS 155mm howitzers to support election-security mission in Mindanao (photos: Philippines Army)

Army reinforces Lanao del Sur security ahead of BARMM Elections

The Philippine Army, as the largest force provider to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, reinforced election security in Lanao del Sur as ground units deployed Sabrah light tanks, ATMOS 155mm wheeled self-propelled artillery systems, additional ground troops ahead of the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE) on September 14, 2026.

The deployment forms part of the Army’s sustained and comprehensive 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 del Sur, alongside the 10 battalions currently deployed in the area. The 29th and 30th Infantry Battalions will also be deployed as follow-on infantry forces.

Army units, which form a crucial part of Joint Security Control Centers with the PNP and Comelec, are firmly committed to ensuring that Bangsamoro voters can freely elect their next leaders free from any threat. (Philippine Army)