Philippine police see no security threats to Muslim-region polls
Officials say security and peacebuilding efforts intended to help ensure peaceful, credible BARMM elections
MANILA, Philippines (MNTV) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) have said they have not monitored any security threat since the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) election gun ban took effect on July 16 as they intensified security measures and coordination for the Sept. 14 parliamentary elections, reports Manila Bulletin.
The Department of Justice and Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity created a joint Technical Working Group that aims to complete by Sept. 30 new prosecution guidelines for community-based conflict cases, particularly clan feuds, while recommending policy and legislative reforms.
Officials said the security and peacebuilding efforts are intended to help ensure peaceful and credible BARMM elections while strengthening long-term conflict resolution and reconciliation in the Bangsamoro region.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said they have not monitored any security threat since the implementation of the election gun ban for the BARMM.
Police Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., PNP chief, said the police force remained on full alert as the election period officially started on July 16. “The PNP has not monitored any security threat since the start of the gun ban in BARMM in preparation for the parliamentary elections in September,” Nartatez said.
The gun ban will remain in force until Sept. 29 and to enforce the prohibition on carrying firearms, the PNP have established checkpoints in cities and municipalities across the region.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. earlier authorized the deputation of the PNP, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and other government agencies to assist the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Nartatez said the police will sustain close coordination with partner agencies throughout the election period to ensure peaceful, orderly, honest, and credible elections. “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.
“Strong coordination between the PNP and its security partners and stakeholders, including the community, is a tried and tested formula in ensuring the efficient implementation of the election security plan,” he added.
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