THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has deployed full security forces across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as over 2.3 million registered voters cast their ballots in the region’s historic first parliamentary elections.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. confirmed that police units are actively securing polling sites, with 1,045 out of 1,186 voting centers—or 88.11 percent—successfully opening as of 8:00 AM on Monday.
The region-wide exercise spans 14,605 established precincts and 5,212 clustered precincts. All voting centers completed final testing and sealing of poll equipment ahead of election day.
Law enforcement agencies have heightened security in 93 identified Election Areas of Concern across the region, placing 27 under the highest “red” category.
These high-risk areas are receiving specialized security protocols, increased physical police presence, and joint monitoring operations.
Following early violent outbreaks and electoral irregularities, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) officially placed two areas under its direct control.
Cotabato City was designated after recent shooting and explosion incidents, while Maluso, Basilan was added following a ballot pre-shading incident affecting eight polling centers.
COMELEC is coordinating the dispatch of replacement ballots from Manila while law enforcement secures the areas.
All police personnel under the Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PROBAR) remain on Full Alert Status.
This operational footing, active since mid-July, will continue through September 30 to ensure post-election stability.
“This is an important day for the Bangsamoro people, and our role is very clear: help create an environment where every qualified voter can exercise the right to vote safely and peacefully,” Nartatez said, urging officers to fulfill their duties with impartiality, restraint, and professionalism.
