PNP tightens security amid COC filing for BARMM polls

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday said it has intensified security measures across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) amid the ongoing filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the parliamentary polls.

In a statement, the PNP said police visibility increased in key areas of the region and additional checkpoints were set up to prevent any disruption to peace and order.

“We are committed to making the first Bangsamoro parliamentary elections safe, fair, and credible,” PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.

“As the filing of certificates of candidacy ends, our personnel on the ground will be on alert against any form of threat to the peace and security situation in the region,” he added.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has set the filing period for COCs for parliamentary district representatives from May 5 to 7.

Nartatez also directed all police commanders in BARMM to maintain close coordination with local government units and barangay officials in strengthening election security preparations.

“Our police officers will closely work with local chief executives, especially barangay officials, to ensure that the achievements of the Bangsamoro peace process will be protected. Ingatan at poprotektahan natin ang kapayapaan na ating nakamit,” Nartatez said.

He added that police personnel and resources will be fully utilized to safeguard the electoral exercise and preserve peace in the region.

“Sisiguraduhin naming ligtas at maayos ang halalan,” Nartatez said.

(We will ensure safe and orderly elections.)

Despite the heightened alert status, the PNP reported that no security threats have been monitored in relation to the ongoing COC filing period.

Security operations will continue as preparations intensify for the BARMM parliamentary elections in September, the police organization added.

The BARMM parliamentary elections are scheduled for September 14.

Around 9,000 cops will be deployed to secure the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections, according to the Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR). —VAL, GMA News