The Philippine National Police (PNP) has heightened security measures across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as the filing of certificates of candidacy for the parliamentary elections continues.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) set the filing period for parliamentary district representatives from May 5 to May 7, prompting intensified preparations on the ground.
In a statement on Wednesday, the police said visibility of officers has been increased in strategic areas, while additional checkpoints were established to deter potential disruptions to peace and order.
PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police force aims to ensure that the region’s first parliamentary polls will be conducted in a secure, orderly, and credible manner.
He added that as the filing period nears its end, personnel on the ground have been placed on alert against any possible threats that may arise during the election process.
Nartatez also instructed commanders in the region to coordinate closely with local government units and barangay officials to strengthen election security efforts and safeguard gains from the peace process.
Despite the increased alert level, the PNP reported that no specific threats have been monitored so far, even as police resources are being fully mobilized to protect the electoral exercise and maintain stability.
Authorities said security operations will continue in the coming months as preparations build up for the September 14 parliamentary elections, where around 9,000 personnel are expected to be deployed.