WESTERN Mindanao Area Police Command chief Lt. Gen. Bernard M. Banac yesterday expressed bright prospects for peace, security and public order in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao as it holds its first ever regional elections.

He made the forecast as he formally launched the Special Task Force-BARMM for the National and Local Elections 2025 at the Police Regional Office-BARMM headquarters in Parang, Maguindanao del Sur.

The official thanked their counterparts from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard in helping them secure the region ahead of the May 12 National and Local Elections.

Last month, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco D. Marbil presided over a top-level security cluster committee meeting in the Bangsamoro region to bolster government assurance of a peaceful and orderly polls in the area.

“With a stronger collaboration forged among the police, military, coast guard, local government and civil society stakeholders, we can confidently say that we shall effectively carry on the intent and outlook of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and its people,” said Banac.

The official added that the months ahead ushering the elections come at a most opportune and providential time as it extends through the Holy Month of Ramadhan that began last February 28.

The launching of the Special Task Force-BARMM for NLE 2025 on Monday was attended by BARMM police director Brig. Gen. Romeo J. Macapaz, BARMM Regional Election Director, attorney Ray F. Sumalinao, Col. Ruben G. Aquino of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, Coast Guard commander Makaradat L. Uddin and other representatives from the security cluster.

Banac said the activation of STF-BARMM comes in the heels of the recent political candidates’ forum and peace covenant signing at the Army’s 6th ID headquarters attended by Marbil and other similar undertakings for peace initiated across the city and other provinces of BARMM.

Common among all these peace initiatives is the inter-agency commitment toward a secure and fair elections regionwide by promoting equality, accountability, cooperation and empowerment for unity and lasting peace.

As commander of APC-Western Mindanao, Banac has operational control over the regional, provincial and city police maneuver forces of Zamboanga Peninsula and Soccsksargen regions for possible augmentation to support the operational requirements of STF-BARMM.

He said that the STF-BARMM shall follow-through with a series of active groundwork, planning, simulation exercises and coordinating conferences to fine-tune all their law enforcement actions in the region during the election period.

“We cannot fail our leaders and our people. Ladies and gentlemen, let us make this happen,” the official told his men and their counterparts.

Marbil earlier vowed to crack down on election-related violence in Maguindanao, stressing that the PNP will not tolerate intimidation, coercion, or any attempt to subvert the democratic process.

The top cop also emphasized the PNP’s crucial role in ensuring a secure, fair, and orderly electoral process.

“The peace covenant is more than just a symbolic gesture—it is a solemn commitment to the Filipino people. The PNP will relentlessly pursue those who resort to violence and intimidation to manipulate elections. We will protect democracy, ensuring that leaders are chosen through ballots, not bullets,” Marbil declared.

The recent peace covenant signing signified a collective pledge by BARMM

candidates to respect election results, maintain peace, and reject the use of force or threats against political rivals.

The initiative forms part of the government’s broader efforts to dismantle the deeply rooted culture of election-related violence in the region.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon