GENERAL SANTOS CITY – In a show of commitment to peace and security, the Police Regional Office 12 (PRO 12) officially dispatched its contingent to the Special Task Force Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (STF-BARMM) in preparation for the 2025 National and Local Elections.
Police Brigadier General Arnold P. Ardiente, Regional Director of PRO 12, led the send-off ceremony held Monday morning at the PRO 12 Covered Court, Camp Gen. Paulino T. Santos in Tambler, General Santos City. The event coincided with the regular flag-raising ceremony and was attended by high-ranking police officials, personnel, and staff.
The contingent is tasked to assist in law enforcement operations in BARMM to ensure the peaceful conduct of the upcoming elections. This deployment reflects the continuing partnership between regional police forces and national security agencies in maintaining order in politically sensitive areas.
PBGEN Ardiente commended the deployed personnel for their bravery and dedication. “Your duty is essential to the progress and stability of the region, and you are our true heroes. Your role in the STF-BARMM NLE will be pivotal in ensuring peace and security in the area,” he said, highlighting the officers’ critical role in securing the electoral process in the Bangsamoro region.
The deployment comes at a time when the security situation in the BARMM remains volatile. Despite notable progress in the peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), various armed groups still operate in the region, including local terror groups and private armed groups (PAGs), which often resurface during election season.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has already flagged several areas in BARMM as “election hotspots” due to past incidents of election-related violence and ongoing clan feuds or “rido.” Historically, provinces such as Maguindanao del Sur, Lanao del Sur, and Basilan have experienced heightened tensions during election periods.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have assured the public of their readiness to deploy additional forces when necessary. Joint security checkpoints, intelligence monitoring, and community dialogues are among the preventive measures being strengthened to deter potential threats.
The STF-BARMM is a composite force formed to provide focused support in the region. It is expected to collaborate closely with local police units, the Bangsamoro Government, and election officers to secure polling centers, protect election materials, and prevent the influence of armed groups.
As the 2025 National and Local Elections approach, the eyes of the nation turn once again to BARMM—a region both rich in potential and challenged by deep-seated security issues. The deployment of the PRO 12 contingent symbolizes the state’s commitment to delivering safe, fair, and honest elections, especially in areas long affected by violence and unrest.
“We are sending not just officers, but symbols of peace and order,” PBGEN Ardiente emphasized, urging the public to support the government’s effort in building lasting peace in Bangsamoro.