Security preparations for the historic Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections on September 14 are already 98% complete, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Allen Rae Co said the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) remains under heightened alert as authorities finalize security arrangements ahead of the elections.
“As of now, sinabi nga po ng ating good secretary that we are already 98% prepared or complete ang ating preparations, 98%. So what is the 2%? Ito po yung mga tweaking natin or yung mga adjustments, fine tuning as the situation, new situation emerged or magbago po ang sitwasyon,” Co said.
He explained that the remaining 2% of preparations will involve final adjustments and fine-tuning in the two weeks leading up to election day, depending on emerging developments and changes in the security situation.
Co made the statement following the latest command conference for the BARMM elections held at Camp General Pendatun in Maguindanao del Norte, where security preparations and contingency measures were discussed.
The PNP and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said they have prepared contingency plans to address possible security threats and other eventualities that may arise before, during and after the elections.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla and PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. were among the officials who inspected the security preparations in the region.
AFP Chief of Staff General Antonio Nafarrete Jr. also personally inspected the readiness of the Western Mindanao Command and visited the 16th Infantry Battalion, where he directed troops to maintain heightened vigilance in election areas.
Authorities said the security deployment will involve more than 9,400 police personnel, alongside more than 500 soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team under Task Force 92 of the Philippine Army.
The security forces will be deployed to election areas and other strategic locations to help ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections.
Authorities said security measures will remain under close monitoring as election day approaches, with adjustments to be made depending on developments on the ground.
The September 14 polls will mark a significant milestone in the Bangsamoro region as voters elect members of the Bangsamoro Parliament under the region’s new political framework.
