The Philippine military has placed troops in Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur on heightened alert following two grenade attacks that wounded two soldiers and three civilians.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) classified 27 areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) under the red security category ahead of the region’s first parliamentary elections on September 14.The attacks occurred during the election gun ban, with one incident in Sultan Kudarat and another in Maguindanao del Sur.Military spokesperson Lt.Col.

Ronald Suscano stated the attacks aimed to 'sow fear' and disrupt peace, prompting intensified security operations from July 30 to September 12.Comelec’s red category indicates serious security threats, with additional areas under orange and yellow classifications.The Philippine National Police noted no widespread threat despite the attacks, deploying 8,299 personnel for election security.The incidents highlight ongoing challenges in ensuring safe elections in conflict-prone regions.