Cotabato city: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has deployed approximately 10,000 police officers to ensure peace and order during the inaugural parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) scheduled for October 13.
According to Philippines News Agency, PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III, in a press briefing, stated that this deployment aligns with a Commission on Elections (Comelec) resolution that initiated a gun ban in the region starting August 14, which will remain in effect until October 28, covering the election period for the BARMM polls. Torre emphasized that the PNP is committed to preventing any poll-related violence.
Torre mentioned that, as a part of the preparations for the 2025 BARMM elections, the PNP has strategically stationed almost 10,000 personnel across various parts of the BARMM. He assured that all security measures being implemented are aimed at facilitating safe, peaceful, and credible elections in the region.
Currently, 94 towns and municipalities in BARMM are categorized under the "red" category, indicating areas of grave concern. Specifically, Buluan in Maguindanao del Sur and Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao del Norte are under Comelec control due to recent violence, although this status may be reconsidered soon.
Comelec Resolution No. 11149 outlines several prohibitions during the election period, including the bearing, carrying, or transporting of firearms or other deadly weapons unless authorized by the poll body. Additionally, the use of security personnel or bodyguards by candidates and the formation of reaction or strike forces are prohibited unless authorized.
The resolution also restricts the suspension of elective provincial, city, municipal, or barangay officials, the transfer or detail of officers and employees in the civil service without prior approval from Comelec, and any alteration of territory or establishment of new precincts. Violations may lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment, disqualification from public office, loss of voting rights, and deportation for foreigners post-serving prison terms.
The resolution applies to the provinces of Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi, as well as BARMM's eight new municipalities, collectively known as the Special Geographic Area in North Cotabato.
