DAVAO CITY, Philippines — September 9, 2026 — The Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11) has deployed 869 police personnel to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to reinforce security and election-related operations for the 2026 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE) scheduled for September 14.
The personnel were formally sent off during a ceremony at the PRO 11 Parade Ground inside Camp Sgt. Quintin M. Merecido in Buhangin, Davao City, on Wednesday, September 9, as the Philippine National Police (PNP) intensifies preparations for the upcoming parliamentary elections.
The PRO 11 contingent is composed of 500 personnel who will serve as Special Electoral Boards (SEBs), 365 security personnel, and four officers and staff consisting of one contingent commander and three staff members.
They will be deployed to several areas where additional manpower is being provided to support election security and other police operations. These include the Special Geographic Area (SGA), Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office, Maguindanao del Norte Police Provincial Office, and Cotabato City Police Office.
The deployment forms part of the PNP’s broader security preparations aimed at helping ensure that voters can participate in the electoral process in a peaceful, safe, orderly, and credible environment.
Protecting voters and the electoral process
During the send-off ceremony, PRO 11 Regional Director PBGen Leon Victor Z. Rosete reminded the 869 personnel that their assignment goes beyond providing additional manpower.
He said their primary responsibility is to protect the people, secure the electoral process, and ensure that voters are able to exercise their constitutional right without fear or intimidation.
“Our mission is clear: secure the people, protect the ballot, and maintain peace and order throughout the electoral process,” Rosete said.
He directed the personnel to remain vigilant and disciplined while maintaining operational readiness throughout their deployment.
Rosete also underscored the importance of close coordination with police counterparts, election authorities, local government units, community stakeholders, and other security partners operating in BARMM.
The regional director reminded the personnel that the sensitive nature of election security requires professionalism and restraint, particularly when operating in communities with distinct cultural and historical contexts.
Human rights, rule of law emphasized
Rosete specifically instructed the deployed personnel to observe maximum restraint, uphold human rights, and respect the rule of law while carrying out their duties.
He also reminded them to respect the laws, customs, traditions, and cultural sensitivities of Bangsamoro communities.
The guidance is particularly significant during an election period, when security personnel are expected not only to prevent violence and disorder but also to maintain public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the electoral process.
“You are carrying the name of PRO 11 and the Davao Region. Perform your duty with honor, courage, and integrity. In this electoral mission, failure of election is not an option,” Rosete said.
His remarks placed emphasis on the dual responsibility of the police: maintaining public safety while ensuring that security measures do not undermine the rights of voters or the credibility of the elections.
Reinforcing BARMM security operations
The 869-member contingent will augment existing police forces in areas identified for additional security support.
The deployment comes as authorities prepare for the September 14 parliamentary elections, which will determine representatives to the Bangsamoro Parliament.
The personnel assigned to security duties are expected to complement local police units in maintaining peace and order, securing election-related activities, and responding to potential security concerns during the electoral period.
Meanwhile, the 500 personnel designated as Special Electoral Boards will perform their assigned election-related functions as part of the preparations for the conduct of the polls.
The four-member command and staff component will oversee and support the contingent during its deployment.
PRO 11 expresses confidence in personnel
The deployment is being carried out in line with the guidance of PNP Chief PGen Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., as the national police organization strengthens its operational readiness and security posture ahead of the elections.
Rosete expressed confidence in the 869 personnel from the Davao Region, describing their discipline, professionalism, and commitment to duty as critical to the success of the mission.
For PRO 11, the deployment represents the Davao Region’s contribution to the broader PNP effort to help secure the Bangsamoro elections.
As the September 14 polls draw closer, police personnel assigned to BARMM will face the difficult task of maintaining peace and order while ensuring that the electoral process proceeds without unnecessary disruption, intimidation, or violence.
The ultimate objective, according to PRO 11, is to help create conditions where voters can freely exercise their democratic and constitutional rights and where the results of the parliamentary elections can reflect the genuine choice of the electorate.
PRO 11 said it remains committed to supporting the PNP’s mandate to protect the people, secure the electoral process, uphold the rule of law, and help ensure a peaceful, safe, orderly, and credible 2026 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections.