Cotabato city: All police units across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are on heightened alert for possible saboteurs during the festivities welcoming the New Year, a police official stated. According to Philippines News Agency, Brig. Gen. Jaysen de Guzman, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), noted that there have been no confirmed threats from lawless groups during the region's festivities, which began on December 16. However, he emphasized the need for continued vigilance. "We are not lowering our guard; we remain on alert to thwart any attempt by any group to disrupt the festivities," de Guzman said in a radio interview. He mentioned that certain areas have been identified as potential disruption sites, and police forces have been augmented in these locations, though he did not specify which areas were involved. De Guzman further detailed that all police stations across the BARMM have received additional forces to ensure a sufficient police presence for the community. He also highlighted the role of village officials in maintaining peace and order, mentioning that the deployment of force multipliers to remote villages has been activated to assist in these efforts. Additionally, de Guzman issued a strict directive to all police officers, prohibiting them from firing their guns when welcoming the New Year, warning that there would be consequences for those who do not comply.