COTABATO CITY -- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed government security agencies and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to develop new protocols and strategies to ensure a peaceful and orderly vote in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao's first parliamentary elections, scheduled for 13 October 2025.

Moro Islamic Liberation Front Chairman Al-Hadj Ahod Balawag “Murad” Ebrahim stressed the regional leadership’s desire for the elections to proceed as planned, citing the need to establish a regular autonomous government.

“We really need to have a regular government because the transition has been challenging,” Ebrahim said.

He added that a regular parliamentary government would strengthen the implementation of the region’s rights and development agenda, a key focus of the Marcos administration.

Ebrahim also urged the Comelec to prioritize new protocols and measures to guarantee a peaceful and secure election.

Meantime, Comelec-BARMM regional director Ray Sumalipao confirmed that preparations are underway, including the formulation of new policies to address issues encountered during previous local elections.

Sumalipao said that because BARMM is the only region holding elections in October, they will be able to deploy additional security personnel from Regions 9, 11, 12, and CARAGA to bolster peace and order efforts.

“We have enough and sufficient security personnel for BARMM. This could serve as a stern warning for anyone planning to cause disturbances like those in the last elections. With this number of personnel, we can easily identify and apprehend offenders,” Sumalipao said.

He added that surveillance tools, such as closed-circuit television systems, will be used to monitor and deter attempts to disrupt the electoral process.

Sumalipao cited lessons from past elections, including candidates not honoring peace covenants and last-minute withdrawals of teachers serving as Board of Election Inspectors, as factors being addressed in their planning.

The upcoming elections will be automated, and coordination is ongoing with Comelec chairperson George Garcia in Manila to ensure systems are in place.

BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, on the other hand, pledged the regional government’s support for Comelec-BARMM in all stages of the election preparations.

The 13 October polls mark a historic milestone for BARMM as it transitions from an interim to a fully regular parliamentary government.