MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. maintained that the security situation for the upcoming Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections is still “under control.”
“We assure the people of BARMM that the PNP is prepared to protect their safety and ensure that they can exercise their right to vote freely and peacefully,” Nartatez said in a statement on Monday, a week before the polls.
“The situation remains under control. Our personnel are on alert and are focused on preventing election-related violence, particularly in areas with known political, clan, and security concerns,” he added.
READ: Watchdog: Political tensions, violence cast shadow over BARMM polls
“We will maintain police visibility and strengthen security in polling areas and other critical locations,” he noted.
The top cop’s statement came amid a report by the watchdog Climate Conflict Action Asia and the Early Response Network citing concerns of political rivalries, clan feuds and land disputes in the region.
The groups particularly noted the August 15 ambush which BARMM interim Chief Minister Abdularof Macaua survived.
“I call on all our commanders and personnel in BARMM to remain vigilant, impartial and responsive,” Nartatez said.
“We must maintain the highest level of professionalism and ensure that every voter, candidate and election worker is protected throughout the electoral process,” he added.
The PNP previously said it had deployed over 9,000 personnel to maintain security measures during the elections.
The polls are scheduled on September 14, with only 2.393 million registered voters and 5,212 voting precincts.
The national police force noted that the Commission on Elections had deployed 7,000 automated counting machines and other election paraphernalia across BARMM so far. /jpv
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