Comelec, security agencies prepare for first-ever BARMM, BSKE elections

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) convened a joint command conference with law enforcement agencies to ramp up security and finalize preparations for the country’s first-ever Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary polls and the 2026 barangay and youth elections.

The Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE) are scheduled for September 14, while the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) will be held on November 2.

Speaking at Camp Crame on Tuesday, Comelec chair George Erwin Garcia emphasized the need for full cooperation from all security sector agencies to quickly respond to election-related concerns and help ease public fears throughout the electoral process.

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“Comelec cannot do this alone; we need the support of the AFP, the PNP, and all security forces, including the PCG. Because we are lacking in resources, we are lacking in personnel,” said Garcia in Filipino.

“The key to the execution of any plans for the election is preparation—this Command Conference we are holding especially focuses on the security aspect,” said Comelec Commissioner Aimee Ferolino, Commissioner-in-Charge for BARMM Parliamentary Elections.

“We hope that through good preparation, the Bangsamoro people’s wish for self-governance will be realized, and beyond that, long-lasting peace in the Bangsamoro area,” she said.

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The Armed Forces of the Philippines said it has long been preparing for the upcoming elections, with contingency plans in place and forces already deployed on the ground.

“Securing the election is not a routine mission for us, we look at this as our sacred duty to protect the will of the people which is the very essence of democracy,” said AFP Acting Deputy Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Arvin Lagamon.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said they have intensified its efforts against vote-buying and vote-selling, taking a more aggressive stance to curb these electoral offenses.

“All the resources—from personnel to logistics, as well as finances—we in the PNP are committing these resources to ensure honest, orderly, and peaceful elections,” said PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr.

The Philippine Coast Guard pledged full support for the 2026 BARMM and barangay elections, saying it will deploy personnel in key coastal and island areas while intensifying maritime patrols to prevent election-related offenses.

“Let me assure everyone that your 36,000-strong Philippine Coast Guard personnel will remain steadfast in upholding its mandate,” said PCG Deputy Commander for Operations Vice Admiral Edgar Ybañez.

The PCG’s mandate remains dedicated to upholding professionalism, vigilance, and integrity in serving the Filipino people and safeguarding the country’s democratic process.

The Office of the Special Assistant to the President said election security is key to credible polls and the sanctity of the ballot, especially in the BARMM Parliamentary Elections, which also mark the completion of the Bangsamoro peace process’s political track.

“The success of the upcoming elections relies heavily on inter-agency coordination and cooperation to inform and educate the citizenry, our voters,” said OSAP Assistant Secretary Ria Danielle Lumapas. /mr