No poll-related violent incidents in BARMM so far, PNP says
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has recorded no election-related violent incidents in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) since the election period started on July 16.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said security measures that have long been prepared are being strictly implemented, including the regional gun ban, which he said, already resulted in the arrest of 12 people so far.
“We have 42 days left and we have already implemented security measures and as of now, there are no recorded election related incidents in the area of BARMM,” Nartatez told reporters in a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
The first BARMM elections were held on the second Monday of September this year, or on Sept 14, with around 86 positions being sought for by around 400 candidates.
Based on the PNP data, a total of 9,463 policemen have been deployed so far, most of them coming from the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region with almost 5,000.
The rest came as augmentation from National Support Units (NSUs) and from other Police Regional Offices.
A team of a special electoral board was also formed as part of the security measure for any untoward incident.
The elections will be held in Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur and Tawi-Tawi, Cotabato City and more than 63 barangays in Cotabato classified as special geographic areas.
Nartatez said security measures are in place that include coordination with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and other law enforcement agencies deputized by the poll body.
“Our coordination with the Comelec is okay. The Philippine National Police is on top of the situation in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other law enforcement agencies,” said Nartatez.