BARMM polls put security forces on alert to prevent more violence, spillover

Authorities are also watching for possible spillover violence into BARMM’s neighboring regions

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines – Security forces across the Bangsamoro region and neighboring areas have intensified operations as the autonomous region began its first parliamentary election period, amid fears that election-related violence could spill over beyond its borders.

More than 8,000 police personnel have been deployed across key areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), while military and police authorities in cities and provinces in neighboring regions have strengthened checkpoints and monitoring of possible flashpoints.

The deployment coincides with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban in the BARMM, beginning July 16, which prohibits the carrying of firearms outside residences during the election period unless covered by authorized exemptions.

The heightened security posture faced an early test after the BARMM election period began when motorcycle-riding gunmen killed Kadayangan town Councilor Nasser Dalandang in the Muslim-majority region’s Special Geographic Area (SGA) on the same day. Dalandang was shot along a highway in Midsayap, Cotabato province, prompting authorities to raise their alert level.

In Basilan, the military has tightened security around key land and sea entry points to prevent armed groups from disrupting the polls.

Army Brigadier General Frederick Sales, commander of the 101st Infantry Brigade, said the military has adopted a five-point security plan with the Provincial Joint Security Control Center (PJSCC), including joint checkpoints and intensified monitoring of strategic areas.

Soldiers have been ordered to enforce the gun ban, inspect vehicles and seize unregistered firearms, ammunition and explosives. The military also said it would crack down on unauthorized security escorts and private armed groups linked to political figures.

Authorities are also watching for possible spillover violence into BARMM’s neighboring regions.

On Saturday, July 18, two soldiers and three civilians were wounded after unidentified motorcycle-riding suspects threw a grenade at an Army truck along a highway in Sultan Kudarat.

The blast occurred at 6:26 am in Barangay Mother Poblacion as a truck carrying troops from the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion was traveling toward Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, a province in neighboring Soccsksargen region.

Police said two suspects aboard a black motorcycle overtook the military vehicle before one of them threw the explosive. The suspects fled immediately after the attack.

In the Zamboanga Peninsula region, authorities have strengthened security measures to guard against possible spillover violence from mainland Mindanao from Sulu and the BARMM provinces of Basilan and Tawi-Tawi.

Zamboanga City police director Colonel Fidel Fortaleza Jr. ordered intensified checkpoint operations – including random inspections of motorcycles and vehicles for loose firearms and other security threats – across key areas of the city. – Rappler.com