Law enforcement maintains strict security measures in Barmm, as overseen by the PNP.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified security measures in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm) following the indefinite suspension of preparations for the parliamentary elections. On September 17, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced the suspension, which was a result of the Supreme Court's ruling halting the implementation of the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act (BAA) 77. The law amends the region's districting measure, reconstituting parliamentary seats. The PNP, under the leadership of Acting Chief Lieutenant Colonel Jose Melencio Nartatez, has been conducting focused law enforcement operations against private armed groups in Barmm to prevent sabotage or influence in the elections. Nartatez stated that over 14,000 checkpoints have been conducted in the region. The PNP has been reminded of their mandate of political neutrality, with violations met with disciplinary action. The police force will strictly adhere to their standing policy of not siding with any political party, group, or candidate in Barmm elections. To prevent election-related violence, the PNP plans to engage local government units, community leaders, and other stakeholders to encourage cooperation and prevent potential flashpoints. The PNP is also coordinating with government agencies for the activation of joint security control centers. These centers will serve as hubs for intelligence sharing, force deployment, and real-time incident management. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the PNP are collaborating to activate these centers during the upcoming parliamentary elections. A gun ban has been in effect in Barmm since August 14, and a total of 24 firearms and explosive materials have been confiscated, with more than 16 people arrested. The number of checkpoints will increase in the remaining days before the October 13 elections. The PNP is targeting private armed groups to prevent the proliferation of loose firearms that can be used for harassment and other election-related offenses. The Comelec, meanwhile, will seek guidance from the Office of the Solicitor General regarding the conduct of the October 13 polls. President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr.'s directive was cited as the reason for the move to suspend the elections preparations. The Supreme Court's halting of the law reallocating seven parliamentary seats from Sulu in Barmm may affect the elections in the region. The PNP's efforts aim to ensure a peaceful and fair election in Barmm, a significant step towards the region's continued progress and stability.
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