Security intensified in 27 red-category areas ahead of BARMM polls

The Philippine National Police (PNP) intensified security operations after 27 election areas were classified under the red category ahead of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s first parliamentary polls. File photo MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine National Police (PNP) intensified security operations after 27 election areas were classified under the red category ahead of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s first parliamentary polls. According to the Commission on Elections (Comelec), 27 election areas of concern have been placed under the red category due to serious security threats posed by communist terrorist groups and other armed organizations. Read: Comelec: 27 BARMM areas under ‘red category’ ahead of parliamentary polls Article continues after this advertisement In a statement on Monday, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered police units to strengthen operations in high-risk areas identified by the Comelec to help ensure peaceful, orderly, and credible polls scheduled for Sept. 14. High-risk areas include several municipalities in Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and the Special Geographic Area. “Our goal is to implement long-term changes to finally address the negative perceptions that come with the conduct of elections in this region due to the incidents that happened in the past,” said Nartatez. “It’s a work in progress, and we are on the right track,” Nartatez added. The gun ban remains in effect across BARMM, while police commanders have been instructed to coordinate with local clans and groups and facilitate peace covenants to support peaceful and honest elections. Article continues after this advertisement READ: 27 BARMM areas under highest poll security category Nartatez earlier said the PNP had set up checkpoints to enforce the gun ban, which will remain in effect from July 16 to Sept. 29, 2026. Article continues after this advertisement The PNP chief said the strategic deployment of personnel, using the Enhanced Managing Police Operations strategy, will play a key role in election security efforts. The PNP will deploy a total of 8,299 personnel to secure the elections. Of the total, 4,983 are from the Police Regional Office-BARMM, 1,316 are from national support units, and 2,000 were drawn from other police regional offices. “The PNP will closely coordinate with the local government units in securing the days ahead of the BARMM elections,” Nartatez said, adding increased police visibility will prevent election-related incidents. Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful. The Sept. 14 elections will mark the first regular parliamentary polls under the Bangsamoro Organic Law, or Republic Act No. 11054, as amended by Republic Act No. 12317./coa