Philippine police deploy over 9,400 officers for BARMM elections

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has mobilized over 9,400 officers to ensure security for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections scheduled for September 14.

PNP public information chief Col. Allen Rae Co announced that 4,361 personnel from the Police Regional Office (PROs) BARMM will be directly involved, with an additional 5,074 officers deployed from other police regional offices, the Maritime Group, Highway Patrol Group, Explosives Ordnance Disposal Group, and Special Action Force. This comprehensive deployment aims to cover various security needs across the region.

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Mayroon tayong contingency plans in place for any threat. Lahat naman ng ganito ay tinitingnan natin.

The assigned officers will be responsible for securing voting centers, Commission on Elections (Comelec) offices, and local treasurer’s offices. Furthermore, a significant number will be involved in checkpoint operations, quick reaction force teams, and civil disturbance management to maintain order and respond to any incidents.

In areas where Comelec personnel and local teachers may be unable to oversee the polls, 1,368 trained police officers are designated to serve on the Special Electoral Board. PNP leadership has emphasized their readiness to handle any threats, with Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla and PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. holding a command conference to review security preparations. Secretary Remulla previously stated that law enforcement was "98 percent ready" for the elections.

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If there are any threats or anything that will hinder the conduct of a peaceful election, we are ready for any eventuality.