Photo courtesy of PNP/Facebook
The Philippine National Police placed its election security operations on full alert as the election period for the 2026 Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Parliamentary Elections began on July 16.
Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region activated its regional deployment following a send-off and turnover ceremony held on July 14 at Camp Salipada Pendatun in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte.
A total of 8,299 police personnel were assigned to election duties, including 4,983 officers from PRO BAR, 1,316 from national support units and 2,000 from other police regional offices.
The deployed forces were tasked to work with the Commission on Elections, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard and other agencies in maintaining peace and order throughout the election period.
The election period will run until Sept. 29, while election day is scheduled for Sept. 14. The gun ban also took effect at the start of the election period.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said the police force was prepared to secure communities, protect voters and carry out its duties with professionalism, neutrality and fairness.
He also reminded deployed personnel to remain disciplined, alert and impartial while strictly observing election laws and operational protocols.
The PNP urged the public to comply with the gun ban and immediately report election-related incidents or violations to the nearest police station or appropriate authorities.
