Cotabato City: The Police Regional Office - Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) reiterated its firm commitment on Thursday to ensuring peaceful, honest, and orderly elections across the region on May 12. Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz, the director of PRO-BAR, urged all citizens, local government officials, and law enforcement partners to collaborate actively in safeguarding the integrity of the democratic process.

According to Philippines News Agency, Macapaz expressed confidence in the preparedness of the police force, stating, "We are fully prepared to protect the sanctity of the ballot and the safety of every voter. Our police personnel are deployed not only to maintain order but also to assure our communities that they can exercise their right to vote freely, without any fear or intimidation." Approximately 1,000 augmentation forces have been deployed to the region, with police units on full alert. Comprehensive security measures, including checkpoints and visibility patrols, are being coordinated.

Macapaz highlighted the collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Commission on Elections, and other stakeholders to ensure a coordinated approach, especially in areas identified as election areas of concern. The BARMM encompasses the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, and the cities of Cotabato, Lamitan, and Marawi.

Despite a recent Supreme Court ruling regarding Sulu's status, Macapaz clarified that the Sulu provincial police office remains under PRO-BAR's control. He urged the public to report any vote-buying, intimidation, or suspicious activities through designated hotlines and social media platforms. On Wednesday, Macapaz led the send-off program for the police augmentation forces arriving from Region 3, the Caraga Region, and the Regional Maritime Group 12.