Bangsamoro police identify 16 towns, two cities as critical areas

CAMP SALIPADA K. PENDATUN, Parang, Maguindanao - At least 16 towns and two cities located in the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, and Basilan have been identified as critical areas that would be closely monitored during the national and local elections in May 2022 by the Bangsamoro police.

Police Brigadier General Arthur Cabalona, Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao chief, said that in Maguindanao, ten towns are under the red code tag of the PNP for election as areas of concern.

These towns are: Rajah Buayan, Sultan Sa Barongis, Datu Hoffer, Datu Piang, Datu Salibo, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Unsay, Mamasapano, Shariff Aguak, and Shariff Saydona Mustapha.

In Lanao Del Sur, one city and three towns are also under critical areas. These are: Marawi City, Malabang, Butig and Tubaran.

In Basilan province, the police identified Lamitan City, Al Barkha, Sumisip and Ungkaya Pukan as critical areas.

“So far we have identified 102 areas of concern, we are closely monitoring these areas,” said Cabalona.

About a thousand police personnel have been trained to serve in the last election.

This year, about 200 more policemen were trained as substitute Board of Election Inspectors (BEI) in case the teachers assigned refuse to report for work because of threats that they may receive.

“We have police personnel who are undergoing training who will take the role of the teachers who will not be available during election day, we have communicated the Comelec for additional training,” Cabalona said.

Several members of the Civil Disturbance Management troops, armed with riot shield and baton were also seen attending a refresher course at the regional police compound, as part of preparations to ensure peace and order at the polls.

Cabalona also reported that since the implementation of firearms ban, at least 32 persons were arrested and 43 firearms were confiscated in various police operations. -- BAP, GMA News