30 September 2024, Cotabato City – The Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) is set to deploy more than 4,000 police personnel to ensure the security and safety of candidates during the eight-day filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). This move comes as part of heightened security measures in the region ahead of the upcoming 2025 elections.
The deployment will begin today, with police personnel stationed at strategic locations, including provincial police offices, municipal police stations, and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB). The police forces will be actively present at provincial and municipal offices of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), where candidates are expected to submit their COCs starting tomorrow.
Coordinated Security Measures:
To reinforce the security efforts, the PRO-BAR will work in close coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), particularly military units stationed within BARMM. The joint forces aim to mitigate any potential security threats that may arise during the filing period, including risks of election-related violence or disruptions.
Capt. Mason of the PRO-BAR emphasized the importance of these coordinated efforts, noting that the military will support the police in enforcing strict security protocols across the region. The partnership between the police and military is seen as crucial, given the history of election-related tensions and violence in certain areas of BARMM, particularly in provinces like Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, and Basilan.
Security Situation in BARMM:
BARMM has historically faced security challenges during election seasons, often due to political rivalries, clan feuds, and the presence of armed groups. While recent efforts by the national and regional governments have aimed to improve the security situation in the region, concerns remain over potential flashpoints during the upcoming elections.
PRO-BAR is taking a proactive approach by conducting preemptive measures, such as intelligence-gathering and threat assessments, in areas known for election-related conflicts. Security personnel will be on high alert throughout the COC filing period to prevent any violent incidents and to ensure that the process proceeds smoothly.
Potential Election Hotspots:
Among the areas being closely monitored are those previously identified as potential election hotspots, including municipalities in Maguindanao del Sur, Lanao del Sur, and some parts of Sulu. These areas have seen political rivalries intensify during previous elections, leading to violence and disruptions.
To address these risks, security forces will establish checkpoints and conduct patrols in these critical areas. Police and military presence will be increased, particularly in known conflict zones, to deter any attempts to disrupt the election process. Additionally, communication lines between local government units, COMELEC, and security forces have been strengthened to ensure a swift response to any untoward incidents.
Ensuring a Peaceful Election Process:
The deployment of police and military personnel underscores the region’s commitment to ensuring that the upcoming elections are conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner. BARMM officials have called on all candidates and political groups to observe proper conduct during the filing of candidacies and throughout the election period.
The election in BARMM is seen as particularly significant as it will mark another step in the region’s continuing transition toward political stability following the signing of the Bangsamoro Organic Law. Ensuring a peaceful election process will be critical in furthering the region’s efforts toward self-governance and the continued integration of formerly conflict-affected communities.
With the combined efforts of law enforcement agencies and the military, PRO-BAR remains confident that the security measures in place will help prevent election-related violence and ensure the safety of both candidates and voters in the region.
The filing of certificates of candidacy is set to commence tomorrow, October 1, and will run until October 8, 2024.
