The Philippine National Police (PNP) has pledged to exert all efforts to secure the upcoming parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) following a recent attack on a top regional official.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated that police forces, working alongside military and election officials, are continuously evaluating the security landscape in the region to make necessary adjustments. The measures are intended to maintain order and safeguard the upcoming regional vote.
“We assure the people of BARMM that the PNP, along with the AFP, Comelec and other stakeholders, will do everything within its mandate to ensure their safety and protect their right to participate freely and peacefully in the elections,” Nartatez said, urging police units in the region to remain vigilant and politically neutral.
The security assessment comes after an ambush targeting the convoy of BARMM Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua. PNP spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co announced that a special investigation task group was formed immediately following the attack to track down the perpetrators.
Authorities are currently classifying the ambush as a “suspected” election-related incident, pending official review. Co noted that no election-related incidents had been confirmed since the start of the election period, meaning this would mark the first if officially categorized as such.
Police officials declined to disclose details regarding potential persons of interest, citing the ongoing investigation.