Checkpoints have been put in place across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as the election period for its first parliamentary elections began on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

The Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) joined the kick-off ceremony for the simultaneous Commission on Elections (COMELEC) checkpoint operations in Parang and Sultan Mastura, Maguindanao del Norte.

PRO-BAR said the ceremonial launch highlighted the importance of COMELEC checkpoints in ensuring election security.

Police said the checkpoints will help enforce the nationwide gun ban, curb the movement of unauthorized firearms and deadly weapons, prevent election-related offenses, and strengthen police visibility to maintain public safety during the election period.

PRO-BAR Director, Brigadier General Christopher Abecia, urged the public to cooperate with authorities, follow checkpoint procedures, and observe election laws.

Meanwhile, more than 90 areas in the region have been declared as areas of concern by COMELEC in connection with the September 14, 2026 Bangsamoro parliamentary elections.

Authorities said 10 of these areas have been classified under the “red category” or areas considered to have the most serious security threats.

Lanao del Sur is among the provinces with the highest number of high-risk localities.

The classification of areas of concern was based on recorded security incidents during the past two elections.

More than 8,000 police personnel will be deployed on election day in BARMM.

The campaign period will run from July 30 to September 12.