Police forces are now working closely with the military in the strict implementation of gun ban which will start on July 16 as part of the security measures for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) elections.
Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said security assessment is regularly being done in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) especially in identifying possible areas of election concerns.
“Significant improvements were already done in terms of bringing genuine peace and development to all our kababayan in BARMM over the years, we in the PNP intend to sustain them and provide more by protecting their right to choose their leaders,” said Nartatez.
As part of the preparations for the gun ban, Nartatez directed chiefs of police to strengthen the deployment of personnel in public places and along major thoroughfares.
Police commanders were also instructed to remain alert against possible security threats during the election period.
Intelligence-gathering operations will also be intensified to detect possible threats early and support law enforcement actions against armed groups and other individuals who may attempt to disrupt the elections.
Earlier, security officials have also warned that remnants of the Abu Sayyaf Group and splinter factions of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters could be used to intimidate voters and influence the electoral process.
The military earlier announced that it would intensify military operations against the remaining armed group networks in the months leading to the BARMM polls.
Police units will complement these efforts through increased police visibility, intelligence monitoring, and law enforcement operations.
“We always maintain that strong coordination with the AFP and other stakeholders plays a crucial role in maintaining peace and order in the area, and we have been doing that since we started preparing for this election,” said Nartatez.