The security situation in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) remains “under control” despite reported political rivalries, land feuds and disputes ahead of the region’s historic parliamentary elections, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Monday.
This comes amid an independent report by Climate Conflict Asia documenting political rivalries, land feuds and disputes during the election season, including the reported ambush attempt against BARMM Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua.
Nartatez expressed confidence that security forces would be able to maintain peace and order in BARMM, a week before the parliamentary elections, according to a report by RH Edniel Parrosa.
During the flag-raising ceremony at Camp Crame on Monday, Nartatez directed PNP personnel to remain prepared to respond to possible security threats and ensure the safety of voters and election stakeholders.
He said the police would work closely with other government agencies, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Commission on Elections (Comelec), to ensure peaceful and orderly elections.
“We must protect the sanctity of every Filipino's vote. And ensure that elections are credible, peaceful, orderly, and free from intimidation and violence. These responsibilities call for a PNP that is coordinated, disciplined, and ready to act,” Nartatez said.
The BARMM parliamentary elections are set to be held on September 14, marking the first regular parliamentary elections in the autonomous region.
Watch the full report below.
