INTERIOR Secretary Jonvic Remulla warned police officers deployed for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary election that they would be held accountable for any violence during the Sept. 14 polls.
“I will hold each and every police officer here accountable. If any violence happens in these coming elections, you will be accountable to me and to the chief PNP. Peace must prevail,” Remulla said on Thursday.
He issued the warning during a command conference at the Philippine National Police-Police Regional Office BARMM in Camp BGen. Salipada K. Pendatun in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte, where he assessed security preparations for the historic elections.
He said preparations for the elections were 98 percent complete, with authorities focusing on final adjustments and contingencies.
“We’re almost there. It’s just fine-tuning. We’ll make sure that nothing happens again, but we’re 98 percent ready. All the polling precincts are there, all the contingencies are there,” Remulla said.
About 5,000 police officers, along with additional personnel, will be deployed across the region to secure the elections, he said.
“The peace and order situation is being closely monitored. Five thousand police officers and additional personnel will be sent here, so we are confident about what will happen here,” Remulla said.
Remulla was accompanied by PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. and other officials during his visit to the regional police headquarters.
He urged voters to carefully choose the leaders who will govern the region and help determine its future.
“Choose your leader wisely; your future depends on them,” Remulla said, noting the elections would also provide the BARMM with an opportunity to demonstrate to the international community that “a Muslim nation can exist in a Christian republic.”
