Photo courtesy of BTA-BARMM
COTABATO CITY — Lawmakers in the Bangsamoro Transition Authority have begun coordinating security preparations for the region’s first parliamentary elections set in September.
Butch Malang, who heads the body’s public order and safety panel, said discussions were underway to strengthen coordination among agencies tasked with keeping the peace during the polls.
He said a joint session with the committee on local government had been arranged to align plans and ensure readiness ahead of the vote.
Separate consultations were also set with officials of the Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro region and the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, as well as Western Mindanao Command, to firm up security measures.
Among the options being considered was the deployment of more police personnel in areas previously identified as election hotspots.
Malang recalled that security forces were able to maintain order in many parts of the region during the May 2025 national and local elections.
The committee was also expected to meet with Commission on Elections chair George Garcia to help outline strategies that would safeguard the integrity of the upcoming vote.
Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua earlier said the regional government is committed to ensuring that the first parliamentary polls are conducted peacefully, orderly and with credibility, noting that the exercise is drawing wide attention.