COTABATO CITY – The deployment of more police officers and soldiers as peacekeepers in traditionally troublesome towns in Maguindanao del Sur during elections is among the measures the police and Commission on Elections (Comelec) are considering to ensure peaceful, orderly and credible elections in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in September this year.
Officials of Maguindanao del Sur Police Office and Comelec started preparations for tighter security measures at least 15 days before the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the historic Bangsamoro parliamentary elections.
The Comelec has scheduled the filing of COCs on May 5-7, 2026, for the Sept. 14 political exercise.
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Colonel Michael John Mangahis, Maguindanao del Sur police director, met with lawyer Allan Kadon, provincial election supervisor, to map out security plans so that the filing of COCs would be peaceful and secured.
Both agencies discussed joint protocols, technical safeguards and deployment strategies to protect polling stations, election materials and personnel.
“This synchronized effort underscores shared commitment to uphold the integrity of the electoral process,” Mangahis said.
Mangahis told Kadon that the comprehensive security measures are already in place across all municipalities, including troop deployments, checkpoints and visibility patrols designed to deter intimidation and violence.
He explained that these proactive steps aim to guarantee that candidates and citizens alike can participate freely and safely during the filing period.
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During the filing of COCs for local elections last May 2025, aspirants seeking electoral posts were either ambushed, harassed or intimidated on their way to the poll body’s offices.
To prevent similar incidents from happening in this year’s filing of COCs, the early security preparations would at least guarantee safe election-related activities.
Mangahis said continuous joint assessments and open communication channels between Maguindanao police and Comelec “will ensure rapid response to emerging threats, with priority given to areas identified as election hotspots.”
The police director emphasized that future deployments will be calibrated based on evolving threat assessments, ensuring resources are directed where they are most needed.
Both Mangahis and Kadon agreed that lessons learned from past elections highlight the importance of early coordination, visible deterrence, and community vigilance.
Mangahis urged the residents to remain cooperative and alert to help establish an atmosphere conducive to free political exercises and ensure that the elections genuinely reflect the will of the people.
Threat groups exist in Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte that may make noise during the BARMM elections.
These groups include the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), Dawlah Islamiya terrorist group, private armed groups and the proliferation of loose firearms in the hands of civilians.
These are among the challenges facing the region’s security sectors, the Comelec and the Bangsamoro government. /das
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