The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday reiterated its commitment to securing the first-ever Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary polls through intensified operations to prevent election-related violence and empower voters to exercise their right to suffrage.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. also said the organization is closely monitoring incidents of gun-related violence reported in BARMM amid the enforcement of the election gun ban.

“We will not allow violence or the proliferation of loose firearms to undermine the upcoming elections. We have directed our units in BARMM to intensify enforcement of the election gun ban and strengthen coordination with other security agencies,” he said in a statement.

A monitoring report by Climate Conflict Action Asia and the Early Response Network cited political rivalries, clan feuds, and land disputes as key drivers of violence, including the Aug. 15 ambush of Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua.

Despite these developments, Nartatez maintained that the situation in the BARMM 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 said.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) earlier said that it had already deployed 7,000 automated counting machines and other election paraphernalia to local hubs, with delivery to 105 municipalities and two cities expected to be completed before Sept. 8.

The BARMM elections will have 5,212 voting precincts and 2.393 million registered voters. The PNP earlier announced that it had already mobilized adequate police personnel to secure the elections, including personnel who would serve as election board inspectors in emergencies.

Police forces are backed by personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and supported by various local stakeholders.

“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. We will maintain police visibility and strengthen security in polling areas and other critical locations,” Nartatez said.

Likewise, the PNP chief called on police commanders and personnel in the BARMM to remain vigilant, impartial and responsive. “We must maintain the highest level of professionalism and ensure that every voter, candidate and election worker is protected throughout the electoral process,” Nartatez said.

Pledge Of Commitment

As this developed, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento lauded the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for taking part in the Joint Pledge of Commitment, signed also by the Government of the Philippines, which aims to ensure a peaceful, orderly, and credible conduct of the BARMM polls.

“The parties have also agreed on the Guidelines for Mutual Understanding between the Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group of the Government and the MILF to govern ceasefire-related functions during the upcoming polls in the BARMM,” Sarmiento, who is also chair of the Government Peace Implementing Panel, said in a statement late Sunday.

He added that the recent signing of these agreements underscores the Parties’ serious commitment to protect and insulate the gains of the Bangsamoro Peace Process from any untoward election-related incidents.

“As the head of the OPAPRU, which is mandated to ‘manage, direct, integrate, and supervise all aspects of the comprehensive Philippine Peace Process,’ I call on all Political Parties to strictly abide by Comelec (Commission on Elections) orders and protocols, particularly the gun ban,” Sarmiento said.

The OPAPRU chief also lauded President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for reaffirming his support for the upcoming elections through his statement at the start of National Peace Month: “Be assured that this Administration will do everything within our mandate to ensure that the elections are safe, peaceful, and credible.”

Likewise, Sarmiento said that they will protect the right of every Bangsamoro voter to cast a ballot freely and without fear. (with reports from Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)