Tight security measures are in place in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, as voters participate in the first BARMM Parliamentary Elections on Monday, September 14. Hernel Tocmo
MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it has identified possible perpetrators behind several violent incidents that disrupted the first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
PNP chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said investigators were working on the leads, with cases expected to be filed once the investigation is completed.
“Lahat ng mga cases na ‘yan, all of it, ay mafa-filean ng kaso after the conduct of due investigation. Remember, we have made some arrests and seizure of pieces of evidence that will be the basis of the filling of cases,” Nartatez said.
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Among the incidents recorded were shooting attacks and explosions in Cotabato City, Basilan and Maguindanao del Sur.
The PNP recorded 15 incidents on Sept. 13 and 14, compared with only one incident leading up to the Sept. 14 elections.
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Nartatez said 23 people were wounded, including three cops, and three were killed during the period covering the eve of the parliament vote and election day.
Despite the incidents, the PNP said the overall conduct of the elections remained peaceful and orderly, with voter turnout reaching 83 percent.
Nartatez attributed this to the security preparations implemented by the police, military, Comelec and other stakeholders, including the deployment of around 10,000 police personnel across the region.
“In fact, about 2,000 na SEB (Special Electoral Board) natin nagamit natin ito when our teachers, ‘yung nag-aayos ng EBs natin, ay nag-withdraw. So we deployed 839 plus in Lanao del Sur and additional 200 plus in the city of Cotabato as well as some parts of Basilan particularly Maluso,” he said.
Nartatez said police visibility, quick response and strategic deployment under the Enhanced Managing Police Operations helped prevent attempts to disrupt the electoral process.
“So basically, this is generally peaceful. Data na ang makakapagsabi and I would like to attribute it of course to the guidance of the Comelec, as well as our fellow security forces, the Coast Guard at lalong lalo na the Armed Forces,” he stressed.
The PNP chief said security operations will continue as winners are formally proclaimed and other post-election activities are conducted.
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