Security forces will remain on heightened alert in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) until newly elected officials are formally appointed, as authorities continue to secure the region following the historic Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections.
Army Public Affairs Officer Col. Jose Regonay said military checkpoints and troop deployments will remain in place during the canvassing of votes and the transition period leading to the appointment of the region’s new leaders.
Regonay said security forces will also monitor the canvassing process and help ensure a peaceful transition for the newly elected BARMM officials.
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Padilla emphasized that government troops are not involved in choosing BARMM leaders, but are tasked with protecting the democratic process.
“Tayo po ay nagtatrabaho para po protektahan ang ating mga botante who do the choosing themselves,” Padilla said.
Meanwhile, the latest Philippine National Police (PNP) data showed 14 incidents of violence recorded in BARMM as of Tuesday morning. These included two shooting incidents in Cotabato City and Lanao del Sur, three explosions in Cotabato and the Special Geographic Area, as well as reported incidents involving an improvised explosive device, accidental firing, indiscriminate firing, malicious mischief, strafing, and pre-shaded ballots.
Authorities reported three fatalities and 23 people injured in the incidents.
