NATION
PNP heightens security as BARMM polls near
While police have monitored no active security threats in the region, Nartatez said forces are stepping up measures to deter terrorism, political violence and street crime.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. directed regional units Wednesday to increase police visibility across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to ensure peaceful parliamentary elections on 14 September.
Nartatez said the heightened security posture aligns with directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla to secure the region during its inaugural parliamentary vote.
“There is no room for complacency when it comes to securing the democratic right of all our countrymen in BARMM to choose their leaders,” Nartatez said, adding that authorities aim to maintain a record of zero election-related violent incidents.
While police have monitored no active security threats in the region, Nartatez said forces are stepping up measures to deter terrorism, political violence and street crime.
The police force is working alongside the Commission on Elections, local government units, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to monitor potential election hotspots and adjust ground operations in real time.
Security efforts are currently centered on enforcing a regional gun ban aimed at curbing intimidation and armed violence.
Nartatez urged residents across the region to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity to law enforcement.
The 14 September election will be the first under the Bangsamoro region’s parliamentary system of government.