The Philippine National Police (PNP) welcomed the deputation of law enforcement agencies tasked to support the security preparations for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections, assuring the public of its readiness to safeguard the electoral process.
Under the leadership of Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., the PNP said it is fully prepared to carry out its election security responsibilities following President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s authorization deputizing the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and other concerned agencies to assist the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in securing the BARMM polls.
The move was issued through the guidance of Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla to ensure a peaceful, orderly, honest, and credible election through stronger coordination among security agencies and election stakeholders.
“Strong coordination between the PNP and its security partners and stakeholders that include the community is a tried-and-tested formula in ensuring the efficient implementation of the election security plan,” Nartatez said.
“We have long prepared for this historic election in BARMM, and the additional manpower and cooperation of our local stakeholders serve as an assurance that we would deliver the end goal of protecting all our kababayan in the region to exercise their right to vote peacefully,” he added.
The election period for the BARMM parliamentary polls officially began on July 16, along with the implementation of the election gun ban, which will remain in effect until September 29.
To enforce the firearm prohibition, the PNP has established checkpoints in cities and municipalities across the region. Authorities said no security threats have been monitored since the start of the gun ban.
“Our police force remains committed to carrying out its mandate to protect the integrity of this democratic process,” Nartatez said.
The PNP chief said police units will continue coordinating with local government units, the AFP, and the Comelec to maintain peace and order throughout the election period.
“Our police officers will strengthen their partnership with local government units, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Commission on Elections to ensure orderly preparations and the peaceful conduct of the parliamentary elections,” he said.
Nartatez added that police presence will be sustained at checkpoints across BARMM to deter potential threats and help ensure safe and peaceful conditions for communities leading up to the parliamentary elections.