The Philippine National Police (PNP) reassured the public on Thursday, September 10, that the deployment of extra personnel and the establishment of additional checkpoints across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) form an integral part of security measures for the upcoming September 14 parliamentary elections.
According to PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., the heightened police presence is meant to safeguard residents, deter potential security threats, and preserve peace and order as election day nears.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) had previously notified the public about the visible rise in checkpoints throughout the region, explaining that the stepped-up operations address security needs following concerns raised by local groups.
Nartatez acknowledged that while the intensified law enforcement measures have drawn positive feedback from the majority of community members and local leaders, some residents have voiced unease. He emphasized that there is no cause for panic, pointing out that these security steps are standard operational procedures with only days remaining before the polls.
“We all want to have peaceful and orderly elections in BARMM and for your PNP, there is an extra challenge: to get rid of the stereotype that elections always come with violence in this particular region and to prove that it is doable,” said Nartatez.
The top police official noted that security operations are progressing smoothly due to close collaboration with local government units and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Ongoing community engagement with local leaders and regional groups remains a core component of the operational plan.
Nartatez advised the public to anticipate even greater police visibility and a higher frequency of checkpoints across BARMM as authorities tighten security to prevent election-related violence and voter harassment.
The PNP urged residents to cooperate with officers during check routines.
“Police presence is not meant to intimidate or sow panic, but to ensure that the security concerns of the public are addressed,” Nartatez noted.