By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan | Philippine News Agency
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has deployed some 10,000 cops to maintain peace and order during the first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Oct. 13.
In a press briefing on Monday, PNP Chief PGen. Nicolas Torre III said under a Commission on Elections (Comelec) resolution, a gun ban started in the region on Aug. 14 and will last until Oct. 28, or the election period for the BARMM polls.
He said they are exerting all the efforts to prevent poll-related violence, “Bilang bahagi naman ng paghahanda naman sa 2025 BARMM elections nakapag-deploy na ang PNP ng almost 10,000 na personnel sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng BARMM.”
“All the security measures we are implementing are part of the preparation to ensure a safe, peaceful and credible elections in the region.”
The PNP Chief also said that 94 towns/municipalities in BARMM have been placed under “red” category or areas of grave concern. Two towns—Buluan in Maguindanao del Sur and Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao del Norte—are under Comelec control due to violence, but the declaration may be lifted soon.
Under Comelec Resolution No. 11149, prohibited during the election period are the bearing, carrying, or transporting of firearms or other deadly weapons, unless authorized in writing by the poll body; use of security personnel or bodyguards by candidates, unless authorized in writing by the commission; and organization or maintenance of reaction forces, strike forces or similar forces.
The poll body also prohibits the suspension of elective provincial, city, municipal, or barangay officials; transfer or detail of officers and employees in the civil service, except upon prior approval of the Comelec; and alteration of territory of a polling precinct or establishment of a new precinct.
Violators may face imprisonment of one to six years, without probation; disqualification from holding public office and loss of the right to vote; and deportation for foreigners after serving the prison term.
Covered by the Comelec resolution are the provinces of Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi; and BARMM’s eight new municipalities (Pahamuddin, Kadayangan, Nabalawag, Old Kaabakan, Kapalawan, Malidegao, Tugunan and Ligawasan), known as the Special Geographic Area in North Cotabato. (PNA)
