PNP intensifies probe into BARMM violence, vows charges vs suspects
More soldiers were deployed to Al-Barka, Basilan to allay security worries of teachers serving as poll managers during Monday’s BARMM parliamentary elections. Photo by Leah D. Agonoy MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) steps up its investigation into gun attacks, explosions, and other incidents and vows charges against suspects during the historic Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections.
In a statement on Wednesday, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said authorities obtained leads that could help identify some of those involved and he expects charges to be filed soon.
“There are still a handful of individuals in the region who think the old ways still work, we proved them wrong,” said Nartatez.
“Now, they have to face the consequences of their actions as a strong message that such a violent mindset has no place in a democratic society which the people in BARMM upheld through the successful parliamentary elections,” he added.
Gun attacks and explosions were reported in Basilan, Cotabato City and Maguindanao del Sur during the elections, and an improvised explosive device was also recovered.
After some board of election inspectors considered withdrawing from their duties, police officers trained in election procedures were deployed.
Commission on Elections chair George Erwin Garcia previously said that the replacement police officers underwent proper training and received certification from the Department of Science and Technology to operate the Automated Counting Machines.
“We utilized about 2,000 SEBs (Special Electoral Boards) when our teachers withdrew,” Nartatez told reporters in an ambush interview.
“We deployed over 839 in Lanao del Sur and an additional 200-plus in the city of Cotabato, as well as in parts of Basilan particularly in Maluso,” he added.
Police units were instructed to continue securing BARMM throughout the election period, which runs until Sept. 29.
Despite security challenges, Nartatez earlier said that “BARMM elections were peaceful and orderly in almost all parts of the region.” /jpv
