Manila: Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered heightened security preparations for the upcoming inaugural parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), scheduled for October 13. This development comes despite a temporary restraining order from the Supreme Court, which has halted the implementation of a regional law reallocating seven parliamentary seats originally designated for Sulu province.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Supreme Court's 2024 ruling established that Sulu is not part of BARMM, leading the Commission on Elections to suspend its preparations for the polls. Nartatez, however, reassured the public of the PNP's dedication to preventing election-related violence, especially in historically volatile areas of Mindanao. This aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to ensure honest, peaceful, and orderly elections in the region.
Nartatez emphasized that the PNP has been conducting targeted law enforcement operations against private armed groups to prevent any attempts to sabotage or influence the election results. He personally supervised security preparations during his tenure as the commander of the Area Police Command-Western Mindanao.
In addition to addressing threats from armed groups, Nartatez instructed PNP personnel to enforce a strict gun ban to curtail the use of firearms for harassment and other election-related offenses. Since the gun ban commenced on August 14, authorities have confiscated 24 firearms and explosive materials and arrested over 16 individuals. Approximately 14,000 checkpoints have been conducted, with plans to increase this number leading up to the elections.
Nartatez reiterated the PNP's commitment to political neutrality, warning that any violations of this stance by police personnel would result in disciplinary action. To enhance coordination, the PNP will activate joint security control centers with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Commission on Elections, facilitating intelligence sharing, force deployment, and real-time incident management.
The PNP is also engaging with local government units, community leaders, and stakeholders to foster cooperation and avert potential flashpoints.
