https://mb.com.ph/2026/09/15/pnp-remains-on-alert-in-barmm-as-post-election-secu
rity-threats-persist

Police forces in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) remain on alert as threats of violence are still high following gun shootings and explosions recorded as early as the day before the Sept. 14 parliamentary elections.

Around 20,000 policemen and soldiers were tapped to secure the BARMM elections. The security preparations started as early as last year.

BARMM is known for violent conduct of elections and even peace advocacy groups like Conflict Climate Action Asia (CCAA) supports the deployment of more policemen and soldiers to prevent the peace and order situation from getting out of control.

Several incidents were recorded on the eve and during the election day, including shootings, explosions, and the recovery of an improvised explosive device.

The most serious happened during a shooting incident in Cotabato City, where three people were killed and 15 others were wounded outside Datu Usman Mampen Elementary School.

Cotabato City and Maluso, Basilan were later placed under Comelec control following the security incidents. Maluso was also affected by the discovery of pre-shaded ballots, prompting the Comelec to send 16,563 reprinted ballots for 36 precincts.

Aside from incidents of violence, the CCAA said another common feature that surrounded the BARMM election were reports of electoral fraud.

It said there were also reports that votes had been pre-arranged and distributed between political parties.

“In the past, this was often done to serve as a bargaining chip of local leaders to ensure they get support and endorsement from the political parties in succeeding elections,” the CCAA said.

“An unintended consequence is the deterrence of violence as votes have already been negotiated, but it risks the foundations of fair and democratic elections,” it added.

He also commended the voters for showing up in voting precincts, “We commend the people of BARMM for exercising their right to vote despite the challenges encountered during the elections.”

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AI summary:

which groups are causing violence in BARMM?

Violence in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is driven by rival political factions, clashing Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) factions, local clans, and extremist networks.