Bongao, Tawi-Tawi — The Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), under the leadership of Acting Commander Brigadier General Romulo Quemado II, joined the 3rd Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC) Conference on September 10, 2025, as preparations intensify for the first-ever Bangsamoro Parliament Election (BPE).
The conference, spearheaded by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in partnership with security forces and government agencies, brought together stakeholders to finalize measures ensuring the safe, credible, and orderly conduct of the historic polls in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.
COMELEC Commissioner Aimee Ferolino called on stakeholders to be proactive in addressing possible election challenges, particularly issues tied to intense political rivalries, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) intimidation, decommissioned combatants, clan feuds (rido), and voting centers situated in MILF-influenced communities. She urged participants to build on best practices while correcting past shortcomings, stressing that the election must genuinely reflect the will of the Bangsamoro people.
Brig. Gen. Quemado, for his part, underscored the shared responsibility of protecting the credibility of the BPE. He assured the public that WestMinCom is fully committed to securing communities and upholding democratic processes, emphasizing that the Command is prepared to address any contingency.
“We will exhaust all possible measures to prevent any failure of elections. It is an honor for WestMinCom to play a part in this historic event for the Bangsamoro,” Quemado said, reaffirming the Command’s close coordination with its partners.
Also present at the gathering were Coast Guard District BARMM Acting Commander Commodore Richard Marfe and Police Regional Office BAR Regional Director Police Brigadier General Jaysen De Guzman.
The event featured an open forum, which allowed stakeholders to raise concerns, clarify issues, and refine collaborative strategies in tackling security and operational challenges ahead of election day.
As the Bangsamoro Parliament Election draws near, WestMinCom and its partners vowed to safeguard the electoral process and ensure a peaceful, credible, and orderly exercise that reflects the aspirations of the Bangsamoro people.