Government security forces, election officials, peacebuilding advocates, and media representatives convened at the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Headquarters on June 23 to strengthen coordination and assess preparations for the first-ever Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections set on September 14, 2026.
The Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC) Conference and Campaign Assessment Conference served as a key platform for evaluating the security landscape, addressing election-related concerns, and synchronizing inter-agency efforts to ensure the peaceful, orderly, and credible conduct of the landmark polls across the Bangsamoro region.
Leading the gathering were Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Erwin Garcia, COMELEC Commissioner-in-Charge for the 2026 BARMM Parliamentary Elections Aimee Ferolino, COMELEC Commissioner Maria Norina Tangaro-Casingal, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento, COMELEC-BARMM Regional Election Director Ray Sumalipao, and WESTMINCOM Commander Lt. Gen. Donald Gumiran.
Senior officials from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bangsamoro Electoral Office, local government agencies, and military units under WESTMINCOM also participated in the conference.
During the event, WESTMINCOM presented updates on the prevailing security situation and outlined its election security preparations. The Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and the Philippine Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao likewise detailed their deployment strategies, maritime security operations, law enforcement coordination efforts, and contingency measures for the upcoming elections.
COMELEC officials discussed election security concerns, campaign-related issues, legal guidelines, and operational procedures, providing participating agencies with a clearer framework for coordination and response planning.
A notable feature of the conference was the launch of “Pagbangon ng Bangsamoro,” an original music video produced by WESTMINCOM. The song highlights themes of peace, unity, resilience, and democratic participation and is envisioned to become the anthem of the 2026 BARMM Parliamentary Elections.
In his message, Secretary Sarmiento described the parliamentary elections as a significant milestone in the Bangsamoro peace process, emphasizing that the polls symbolize the gains achieved through years of dialogue and peacebuilding efforts. He urged stakeholders to work together to protect these gains through peaceful, inclusive, and credible elections.
Garcia, meanwhile, underscored the historic significance of the region’s first parliamentary elections, describing them as a crucial step in strengthening democratic governance and advancing the implementation of the Bangsamoro peace agreement.
Lt. Gen. Gumiran reaffirmed the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ commitment to supporting COMELEC and partner-agencies in safeguarding the electoral process.
“The first-ever BARMM Parliamentary Election is a defining milestone in the history of the Bangsamoro and our nation. WESTMINCOM remains fully committed to working alongside COMELEC, the PNP, the PCG, OPAPRU, local government units, and all stakeholders to ensure that every voter can freely exercise the right of suffrage in a safe and peaceful environment,” Gumiran said.
The conference highlighted the strong collaboration among election authorities, security agencies, and peacebuilding institutions as preparations continue for one of the most significant democratic exercises in the history of the Bangsamoro region.
WESTMINCOM said it remains committed to supporting all lawful measures necessary to ensure the successful, peaceful, and credible conduct of the 2026 BARMM Parliamentary Elections.