Heavy security ready for historic BARMM inaugural session on Friday

COTABATO CITY – Heavy security and comprehensive operational measures are already in place for the Bangsamoro Parliament’s historic inaugural session on Friday, Oct. 30, according to the military.

The assurance came amid social media reports circulating in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) about possible disruptions as the first regular parliament begins its mandate, with the election of the chief minister and other officials among the first business of the day.

Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, said the military is taking the reports seriously and is evaluating them.

READ: Security ramped up for first session of BARMM’s elected parliament

“I advise the public not to come to Cotabato City on Friday to avoid getting caught in traffic jams,” Catu told reporters on Wednesday after inspecting police and military forces at all entry and exit points of the city, the seat of power of the Bangsamoro government.

While police and military authorities downplayed reports of possible destabilization moves by supporters of BARMM candidates, they deployed more troops to the city.

Starting Wednesday, the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office has deployed a 150-strong security contingent to help ensure the inaugural session is peaceful.

The Police Regional Office-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-BAR) also deployed another 100-strong police mobile force company to secure the perimeter of the Bangsamoro Government Center where the inaugural session will take place.

As part of the preparations, the military and OPAPRU representatives met with members of government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities to ensure stability and public order leading up to and during the historic parliament session.

In a statement, Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento emphasized the Marcos administration’s steadfast commitment to providing an environment where parliamentarians can exercise their democratic mandate freely and securely.

“Through synchronized coordination with our security cluster and the peace implementing panels, we are leaving no stone unturned to ensure a peaceful, orderly, and secure inaugural session on October 30,” he said.

“This is a defining moment for the Bangsamoro people and the nation as a whole. We are working hand-in-hand with all stakeholders so that the members of Parliament can elect their Chief Minister, Speaker, and key leadership in a safe, secure, and transparent environment befitting this historic democratic exercise,” he added.

At least a battalion of police, Army, Coast Guard, and Philippine Marines is securing the city, backed by armored personnel carriers and watercraft to guard the city’s tributaries.

READ: Gov’t assures security for first Bangsamoro Parliament session“Peace is our collective responsibility, and we remain dedicated to protecting the integrity of this milestone as we build a more stable, inclusive, and progressive BARMM,” Sarmiento said./coa