To ensure peace and order ahead of the region’s historical first parliamentary elections on September 14, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has deployed around 10,000 police officers across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
As part of the security preparations, roughly 1,300 personnel have been designated and trained to serve as special electoral board members to handle any unexpected disruptions.
Despite maintaining a stable security environment, PNP Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated that continuous ground monitoring and security adjustments are underway to deter potential threats and prevent interference with the electoral process.
“What we are standing for is the protection of the sanctity of this democratic process and the right of every voter to freely choose their leaders. That is the commitment we made since we started preparing the security measures, that is the commitment that we in the PNP will honor,” Nartatez said.
He added that local authorities are working alongside the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to verify recent security reports, noting that nearly all recorded incidents were tied to unrelated motives rather than systemic threats to regional stability.
“We do not downplay the fact that one election-related incident was recorded in BARMM. But we want to assure the public that the police remain in control in ensuring peace and order in preparation for the upcoming parliamentary elections,” Nartatez assured.
According to PNP Spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co, police forces in BARMM remain on heightened alert, with total personnel assignments reaching 9,435 alongside contingency plans for any contingencies during the voting period.
“We have 9,435 personnel for election duties on the upcoming Bangsamoro parliamentary elections and the contingency plans are already in place in case of any eventualities during the duration of the polls season,” Co stated.
“There will be 1,368 PNP personnel who will be acting as special electoral board members and they were properly trained and oriented by the Comelec,” Co added.
Police units across BARMM continue to intensify community patrols, enforce the nationwide gun ban, and bolster strategic checkpoints to maintain public safety throughout the electoral season.