THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has heightened security measures in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm) despite a recent Supreme Court ruling that barred the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Bangsamoro Transition Authority from enforcing the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act (BAA) 77.
In a statement, PNP acting chief Lieutenant Colonel Jose Melencio Nartatez said continued security operations in the region aim to prevent election-related violence, particularly in historically volatile areas of Mindanao, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to ensure honest, peaceful and orderly parliamentary elections in Barmm.
The BAA 77 is the regional law that reconstitutes the parliamentary districts in the Barmm by reallocating seven parliamentary seats originally assigned to Sulu.
“The PNP has been conducting focused law enforcement operations against private armed groups to deny any individual or group the opportunity to sabotage or influence the results of the Barmm elections,” Nartatez said.
“The PNP will strictly adhere to our mandate of political neutrality. All police personnel deployed in Barmm have been reminded of our standing policy: We do not side with any political party, group or candidate. Violations of this directive will be met with disciplinary action,” he added.
Aside from targeting private armed groups, Nartatez reminded all PNP personnel of the prevailing gun ban to prevent the proliferation of loose firearms that can be used for harassment and other election-related offenses.
Since August 14, when the gun ban was implemented in Barmm, a total of 24 firearms and explosive materials have been confiscated and more than 16 people have been arrested.
Nartatez said about 14,000 checkpoints have been conducted so far and the number will increase in the remaining days before the October 13 elections.
He added that the PNP is coordinating with concerned government agencies for the activation of joint security control centers with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Comelec to serve as hubs for intelligence sharing, force deployment and real-time incident management.
“We will also engage local government units, community leaders and other stakeholders to encourage cooperation and prevent potential flashpoints,” Nartatez said.
On Wednesday, September 17, the Comelec announced the indefinite suspension of all its preparations for the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections.
This followed the Supreme Court’s ruling halting the implementation of the BAA 77.
The Comelec said it will seek guidance from the Office of the Solicitor General regarding the conduct of the October 13 polls. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)
