PNP STAYS ELECTION-READY DESPITE BARMM POLL SUSPENSION

BY order of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., government agencies are closely monitoring the Supreme Court’s Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) that prompted the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to suspend preparations for the October 13 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BAMMPE) 2025.

Despite the COMELEC directive, the Philippine National Police (PNP) assured the public that its security preparations remain in full swing to guarantee a safe and orderly electoral process once the polls are allowed to proceed.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. stated: “We fully respect the Supreme Court’s decision and the COMELEC resolution to suspend election preparations. Our duty is to maintain peace and security in the region, and we will sustain our readiness so that once the green light is given, we are prepared to secure the elections.”

Nartatez has instructed all police units in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to stay on heightened alert and maintain close coordination with the COMELEC, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and local government units.

Supporting this, PNP spokesperson and Public Information Office chief Brig. Gen. Randulf T. Tuaño said, “The PNP’s mandate does not change with the suspension. We will continue to work with stakeholders to safeguard communities and protect the democratic process.

“Respecting the court’s ruling is essential, but so is ensuring that we are ready when the elections are rescheduled or allowed to proceed,” he added.

The PNP’s contingency measures include intensified intelligence monitoring, detailed deployment planning, and continued coordination with local peace and order councils to deter any potential security threats while the polls remain on hold.