To ensure safety ahead of the forthcoming elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the Philippine National Police (PNP) has strengthened its collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to implement a gun ban starting July 16.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. noted that law enforcement and military personnel are continuously conducting collaborative security evaluations, focusing specifically on pinpointing areas that might need closer supervision throughout the election cycle.
Nartatez emphasized that the administration wants to maintain the regional peace and stability built over recent years while guaranteeing a safe voting environment for citizens.
“Significant improvements were already done in terms of bringing genuine peace and development to all our kababayan in BARMM over the years, we in the PNP intend to sustain them and provide more by protecting their right to choose their leaders,” said Nartatez.
Ahead of the firearms restriction, the top police official ordered all local police chiefs to ramp up officer presence in public spaces and along primary roadways to fortify security and discourage potential disruptions.
Furthermore, police commanders received directives to maintain high alertness during the election season and act quickly against any developing security issues.
The PNP will also bolster its intelligence collection to detect potential hazards early on, reinforcing campaigns against lawless elements or individuals intent on undermining the voting process.
Security authorities previously cautioned that remnant elements of the Abu Sayyaf Group and splinter units of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) might be utilized to coerce voters or obstruct the elections.
While the AFP previously declared strategies to escalate military campaigns against remaining rebel factions ahead of the BARMM elections, the PNP will back these measures by boosting police presence, gathering intelligence, and carrying out law enforcement duties.
“We always maintain that strong coordination with the AFP and other stakeholders plays a crucial role in maintaining peace and order in the area, and we have been doing that since we started preparing for this election,” said Nartatez.