15/09/2026
PNP SHIFTS TO FULL ELECTION-DAY SECURITY AS BARMM GOES TO THE POLLS
Under the leadership of PGen Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief, Philippine National Police (PNP), the PNP has shifted to full election-day security preparations as the campaign period for the 2026 Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections ended on September 12, with 10,439 police personnel deployed for tomorrow’s polls.
Of the total deployment, 4,979 personnel are from the Police Regional Office BARMM, while 5,460 are augmentation forces from other PNP units and Police Regional Offices. The deployment includes 2,465 Quick Reaction Forces (QRFs) on standby for immediate response and 1,754 personnel designated as Special Electoral Board (SEB) members.
The police deployment supports the security requirements of the elections covering 1,186 voting centers. As of 11:00 AM today, final testing and sealing of election equipment had also been completed in all 1,186 voting centers, or 100 percent.
Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the PNP’s presence is focused on ensuring that voters can exercise their right freely and safely.
“The campaign is over. Now, the attention should be on the voters. Our people are there to keep the polling areas safe, assist when needed, and respond when necessary—but they must always remain impartial. Bantayan natin ang proseso, pero huwag nating panghimasukan ang desisyon ng botante. That is the kind of police service expected from us tomorrow,” PGen Nartatez said.
Police personnel have been reminded to maintain professionalism, restraint, and impartiality throughout the elections while respecting the rights of voters, candidates, election workers, and other stakeholders. The PNP will continue close coordination with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), local government units, and other concerned agencies to address security concerns and maintain an orderly conduct of the polls.
With the campaign period concluded, candidates, supporters, and other stakeholders are likewise reminded to observe election-period restrictions and refrain from activities that may disrupt the voting process. Voters are encouraged to follow the instructions of election officers and security personnel, observe polling-place rules, and report concerns through proper channels.
The deployment forms part of the PNP’s implementation of its Focused Agenda through Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), strengthening police visibility, coordination, and timely response in areas where security support is needed. It also supports the commitment of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration to a peaceful, orderly, and credible electoral process.
For the PNP, Election Day is about protecting every voter’s right to make a free and informed choice. As the Bangsamoro people head to the polls tomorrow, September 14, the PNP stands ready to secure the process, respect the people’s rights, and deliver a Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.
(PNP-PIO)