Barmm: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has heightened security measures for the resumption of voter registration in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. announced that he instructed the Police Regional Office-BARMM to deploy a sufficient number of personnel to ensure a peaceful and orderly voter registration drive in the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, this initiative aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla to ensure a peaceful, safe, and orderly election process. Gen. Nartatez emphasized the importance of protecting the people's right to be heard in democratic processes, assuring that the PNP is committed to not failing the public in this endeavor.

The Commission on Elections reported that as of March 11, 63,360 individuals have registered to vote for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections on November 2 and the region's inaugural parliamentary elections. Recent legislation from both the House of Representatives and Senate has set the first BARMM parliamentary polls for the second Monday of September this year.

The voter registration period, which began on February 6, has been extended until March 31 to allow more residents to participate. Gen. Nartatez assured the public that the police force is prepared to secure voter registration sites and maintain order, noting that the peace situation is under control with no current threats to security.

The national government has highlighted the significance of voter registration and participation in BARMM, as elections are crucial for sustaining local governance and development programs. Gen. Nartatez reiterated the continuous vigilance of police forces and their commitment to encouraging more residents to register, stressing the importance of every eligible Bangsamoro resident exercising their right to vote.