PNP intensifies security in BARMM poll areas of concern

Irish Trisha Tuscano

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) identified 108 areas of concern, with varying levels of security risks that could affect the conduct of the polls.

“Ensuring peaceful elections in BARMM is a continuing process. Security measures are in place, but regular monitoring and real-time adjustments are being done based on the situation on the ground,” Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.

The election period for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) polls began on July 16 and will run until September 29, during which a gun ban is in place.

Nartatez urged the public to remain vigilant and report any unusual activities or suspicious individuals that may threaten security.

“We call on the public to remain alert and vigilant and report to authorities if they find any suspicious individuals or groups that may threaten security,” Nartatez said.

According to the chief, the PNP will also intensify coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as part of its security preparations for the elections.

“We will strengthen our intelligence-sharing with the military as part of our crackdown against remnants of local armed and terror groups that may bring hostilities in the region,” the PNP chief added.

Lanao del Sur recorded the highest number of election “areas of concern,” with 21 classified as red zones. Maguindanao del Sur followed, registering 11 orange zones.

Red zones are those identified by Comelec as having grave risks and a history of violent election-related incidents, while orange zones denote areas facing serious armed threats to security.