Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), has ordered the implementation of additional security measures to put an end to the series of election-related violence in Maguindanao provinces amid the preparations for the May 12 midterm elections.

Several gun-related incidents were recorded in Maguindanao and other areas in the past weeks, with security experts saying these could be part of intimidation and other attempts to control the election results in the areas.

But Marbil said there is a need for security intervention and other strategies, including peace covenant signing with local candidates.

“The peace covenant is more than just a symbolic gesture—it is a solemn commitment to the Filipino people. The PNP will relentlessly pursue those who resort to violence and intimidation to manipulate elections. We will protect democracy, ensuring that leaders are chosen through ballots, not bullets,” said Marbil during the Political Candidates Forum and Peace Covenant Signing at the 6th Infantry Battalion Headquarters in Awang, Cotabato City.

“The people deserve a Bagong Pilipinas where leaders are chosen through integrity, not fear. The PNP will not waver in its duty to uphold democracy and protect the people’s right to free and fair elections,” he added.

The forum, with the theme  “Safe and Peaceful Elections in Maguindanao: Secure and Fair Elections Promoting Equality, Accountability, Cooperation, Empowerment for Unity, and Lasting Peace,” was aimed at fostering unity among political aspirants and community leaders, reinforcing their shared commitment to peace and the rule of law.

Marbil said the Peace Covenant Signing signified a collective pledge by candidates to respect election results, maintain peace, and reject the use of force or threats against political rivals. 

“This initiative forms part of the government’s broader efforts to dismantle the deeply rooted culture of election-related violence in the region,” said Marbil.

Earlier, the group Climate and Conflict Action Asia (CCAA) raised its concerns over what it described as increasing violent incidents in Maguindanao and other areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao ahead of the midterm polls.

The group is calling for impartial implementation of the gun ban in BARMM that will include violators from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and other armed groups.

The CCAA is also calling for the conduct of more peace covenants and peace agreement between warring clans in BARMM.