Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ramped up security measures across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) amid the ongoing filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) for parliamentary district representatives.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Commission on Elections set the filing period from May 5 to 7, with the elections scheduled on September 14. In a statement on Wednesday, the PNP said police presence in key BARMM areas has been intensified, while checkpoints were established to prevent any disruption to peace and order during the filing period.

"We are committed to making the first Bangsamoro parliamentary elections safe, fair, and credible," PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said. "As the filing of certificates of candidacy ends, our personnel on the ground will be on alert against any form of threat to the peace and security situation in the region," he added.

Nartatez directed police commanders in BARMM to sustain coordination with local government units as part of election security preparations. "Our police officers will closely work with local chief executives, especially barangay officials, to ensure that the achievements of the Bangsamoro peace process will be protected," he said.

The directive, he added, is anchored on the need to secure not only the electoral process but also the gains of the peace process in the region. "Our personnel and assets will be maximized to ensure the protection of this democratic process," Nartatez said.

Despite heightened alert measures, the PNP reported no security threats linked to the COC filing period. Security operations are expected to continue as preparations intensify for the upcoming BARMM parliamentary elections.