Police step up security in western Mindanao for midterm polls


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Police forces in western Mindanao have further intensified visibility patrols and law enforcement operations as part of the security measures for the midterm elections on May 12. 

Police Lt. Gen. Bernard Banac, director of the Area Police Command-Western Mindanao, said the intensified security measures will continue despite the confirmation of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) that President Marcos is seeking postponement of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) elections. 

The BARMM elections are originally scheduled on May 12 along with the midterm elections but lawmakers are proposing to move the elections either in August or October this year.

Whatever the outcome of the proposal, Banac said police forces in the western part of Mindanao are ready to ensure area-wide security. 

“Police visibility patrols and law enforcement operations continue to be intensified to prevent, respond to, and investigate crimes thereby ensuring the security of the people and the communities,” said Banac in a statement.

He also assured the public that the PNP has been closely working with the Commission on Elections, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard to ensure the peaceful conduct of elections in the area.