Government forces are strictly monitoring at least 20 areas of concern in Lanao del Sur that have been placed under the “red” category for the 2025 elections.

Police said more personnel will be deployed to ensure that the conduct of elections in the province will be peaceful.

“More than a battalion kasi may darating na isang battalion na SAF specifically dito—yun papunta sa province ng Lanao del Sur. Over and above, magpapadala pa rin tayo ng mga tao natin na na mag serve… in case me mga magwi-withdraw at the same time they will serve as security na kasi nandito na sila,” Police Regional Office-BARRM Director, Brigadier General Romeo Macapaz, said.

Meanwhile, the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) will also deploy troops to secure the election process in Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Sur.

“Your forces are ready to secure the polling places, provide security for election related activities, and respond to threats against electoral process,” WestMinCom Commander, Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, said.

Police, military, religious leaders, and the poll body have already conducted a peace covenant signing with candidates running in Lanao del Sur.

“By signing that peace covenant we will be promising honest, orderly and peaceful election and likewise we likewise respecting the the rule of law. We have the laws issued by our Congress, issued by Commission en banc for us to follow,” COMELEC-BARMM Director, Ray Sumalipao, said.

The 20 areas of concern in Lanao del Sur are part of the 32 areas in BARMM, which were listed under the “red” category.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) said eight election-related violent incidents have been recorded in the region, so far, and 42 firearms covered by the election gun ban were confiscated.