With only 27 days left before the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful, orderly, and credible vote on October 13, despite ongoing legal challenges.
In line with this directive, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified security operations to protect voters and uphold the integrity of the polls.
“Our mission is clear—to guarantee that the people of BARMM can freely exercise their right to vote without fear or intimidation,” said Acting PNP Chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
The PNP has conducted 14,828 Commission on Elections (Comelec) checkpoints from August 14 to September 16, resulting in 22 arrests and the confiscation of 32 firearms.
Focused law enforcement against private armed groups and monitoring of loose firearms are also underway.
Regional Joint Security Control Centers have been activated to ensure coordination among the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Comelec.
“The safety of voters and the credibility of the elections are our top priorities, and we will not tolerate any attempt to undermine the democratic process,” said PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño.
