The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and partner government agencies have conducted a post-election peace and security assessment following the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections.

The AFP Peace and Development Office, in coordination with the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) and other security forces, held the assessment at Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, on Wednesday, 16 September.

The activity was led by 6ID and Joint Task Force Central acting commander Brig. Gen. Ricky Bunayog and AFP Peace and Development Office chief Col. Alvin Iyog.

Representatives from the Philippine Air Force, Philippine National Police, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, Joint Peace and Security Team and other government agencies also participated.

Officials reviewed observations and lessons from the elections, with discussions focusing on strengthening inter-agency coordination and improving security planning for future polls.

Bunayog thanked security forces, government agencies, local government units and other partners for their coordination throughout the electoral process.

He also recognized personnel on the ground for their preparedness and response to security concerns during the elections.

The 6ID and Joint Task Force Central said they would remain apolitical and continue monitoring the security situation during the post-election period.

The military added that lessons from the elections would be used to improve future security operations and strengthen the protection of communities in Central and South-Central Mindanao.