MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is stepping up security preparations across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as the region approaches its first parliamentary elections on September 14, 2026, with authorities determined to prevent election-related violence from disrupting the historic vote.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Monday that the security situation remains “under control,” while assuring voters, candidates and election workers that police forces are prepared to protect the electoral process.
The statement comes just one week before polling day and amid concerns over political rivalries, clan conflicts and other security risks in parts of BARMM.
“The situation remains under control. Our personnel are on alert and are focused on preventing election-related violence,” Nartatez said.
The PNP said it is maintaining heightened police visibility at polling places and other critical areas, particularly locations considered vulnerable because of political, clan or security tensions.
More than 9,000 police personnel deployed
The scale of the security operation is substantial.
The PNP previously announced the deployment of 9,435 personnel for the BARMM parliamentary elections. Of that number, 4,361 are from the Bangsamoro police force, while another 5,074 personnel were brought in from other PNP units and regional offices.
The deployment includes more than 4,300 officers assigned to voting centers, more than 2,100 members of quick-response teams, hundreds assigned to checkpoints and civil-disturbance units, and personnel stationed at Commission on Elections and local treasurer’s offices.
Police officials earlier said security preparations were already about 98 percent complete, while contingency plans remain in place should the situation change.
The PNP has also intensified operations against groups and individuals who could attempt to use violence, illegal firearms or other means to influence the election.
Why authorities are watching BARMM closely
The heightened security comes against a complicated political and security backdrop.
A recent report from the Climate Conflict Action Asia and Early Response Network cited concerns involving political rivalries, clan feuds and land disputes. The groups also pointed to the August 15 ambush involving the convoy of BARMM Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, which he survived.
Separately, residents in four communities in the Bangsamoro Special Geographic Area have asked election and security authorities to investigate allegations of political harassment involving supporters of rival candidates. The Philippine Star reported that some community leaders were allegedly warned of possible consequences if they supported opposing candidates. The allegations have not been established as fact and were being raised with Comelec and security officials for investigation.
These developments have placed additional attention on the ability of security forces to keep the campaign and voting period peaceful.
Army also reinforces high-risk areas
The police operation is being supported by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The Philippine Army has continued preparations and deployments in areas considered vulnerable, including Lanao del Sur. The Manila Times reported Monday that personnel from the 55th Infantry “Vigilant” Battalion were deployed across parts of the province to help secure the upcoming BARMM elections.
Earlier preparations in Lanao del Sur also included threat assessments, deployment planning and efforts to address long-running clan conflicts known as rido. The provincial security sector had reported that more than 100 rido cases had been profiled, with some already settled through peace-building efforts.
Nearly 2.4 million voters preparing to cast ballots
The security operation covers an election involving approximately 2.393 million registered voters across 5,212 precincts in BARMM.
Comelec has also deployed about 7,000 automated counting machines, including additional units intended to serve as replacements should equipment problems occur on election day.
Election materials are being distributed to BARMM’s municipalities and cities, with Comelec targeting completion of deliveries before September 8. Final testing and sealing of the automated counting machines is scheduled for September 12.
The poll body is hoping for a voter turnout of roughly 65 to 70 percent, according to Comelec Chair George Garcia.
The first parliamentary election is bigger than a single vote
The September 14 election is historic because it will choose the members of the 80-seat BARMM Parliament, marking a major step in the region’s transition toward its parliamentary form of regional government.
Comelec and security agencies have been preparing for the election for months. In April, election officials emphasized that cooperation among the Comelec, PNP, Armed Forces and Philippine Coast Guard would be critical to protecting the vote and responding quickly to security incidents.
The Commission on Elections has also launched voter-information efforts, including a precinct finder that became available September 7. Voters can use their personal registration information to determine where they are scheduled to vote.
A historic vote facing a critical test
For the PNP, the mission is straightforward: keep voters safe and ensure that political disputes do not spill into violence.
But the stakes are unusually high.
The first BARMM parliamentary elections are expected to test not only the region’s electoral system but also its ability to sustain the political transition that followed years of conflict and peace negotiations.
For now, police officials insist that the situation remains manageable.
But with millions of voters preparing to cast ballots, security forces on heightened alert and political tensions still being monitored, the real test begins when voters finally head to the polls on September 14.
Leave a Reply