THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has shifted to full election-day security operations across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), deploying 10,439 officers to secure the region’s historic first parliamentary elections.
PNP Chief PGen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. confirmed the heightened posture following the official conclusion of the campaign period.
The massive security contingent comprises 4,979 officers from Police Regional Office BARMM (PRO BAR) and 5,460 augmentation personnel drawn from adjacent Police Regional Offices and national support units.
The security array includes 2,465 Quick Reaction Forces (QRFs) on standby for rapid tactical response, alongside 1,754 police personnel trained to serve as Special Electoral Board (SEB) members if needed.
Officers are securing all 1,186 designated voting centers across the region, where election authorities successfully completed the final testing and sealing of voting equipment.
To review operational readiness, National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Commissioner Josephus G. Angan conducted an inspection visit with PRO BAR Regional Director PBGen. Christopher M. Abecia at Camp BGen Salipada K. Pendatun in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte.
During the visit, PBGen. Abecia demonstrated the PRO BAR Regional Command Center’s real-time monitoring systems, which track field deployments and coordinate rapid inter-agency responses.
NAPOLCOM officials also emphasized proper administrative protocols and guidelines for managing media interactions throughout the election period.
PNP Chief Nartatez reiterated strict directives enforcing absolute political neutrality, professionalism, and operational restraint among all deployed personnel.
“The campaign is over. Now, the attention should be on the voters,” Nartatez said. “Our people are there to keep the polling areas safe, assist when needed, and respond when necessary—but they must always remain impartial. Protect the process, but do not interfere with the voter’s choice.”
Law enforcement agencies are maintaining direct coordination with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to preserve peace and order as voters cast their ballots.
