Security is tightened by BARMM police before the COC filing

MindanaoHerald | Security is tightened by BARMM police before the COC filing | COTABATO CITY – From October 1 to 8, the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) has implemented heightened security measures, including the deployment of 4,888 police personnel to guarantee the safe and orderly submission of certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the 2025 midterm elections.

“This is to guarantee the safety of all Bangsamoro citizens, with a particular emphasis on the aspiring candidates who will be submitting their COCs during this period,” stated Brig. Gen. Prexy Tanggawohn, PRO-BAR Director, in a statement released on Monday.

Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and the communities of Cotabato, Marawi, and Lamitan are all in the scope of the police deployment.

Despite a Supreme Court ruling that separated Sulu from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the province’s police force continues to be under the operational jurisdiction of PRO-BAR.

The deployment consists of 1,468 personnel who are responsible for securing routes and checkpoints, 1,294 personnel who are involved in civil disturbance management, 1,232 personnel who are assigned security responsibility, 544 personnel who are responsible for convoy security, and 350 personnel who are serving as rapid reaction forces.

PRO-BAR is collaborating with other government agencies to maintain a neutral, apolitical stance throughout the election process, which will run until the May 12, 2025 elections, according to Tanggawohn. (via PNA)