CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Security forces have begun fanning out across potential flashpoints in the Bangsamoro region ahead of its first-ever parliamentary elections on Sept. 14, as the national government moves to safeguard a critical milestone in the peace process.

Military and police units are tightening their presence in conflict-prone areas to ensure a peaceful vote—seen as a key step in the region’s transition to full autonomy.

The 6th Infantry Division and the Philippine National Police are collaborating on a heightened alert status to secure communities historically prone to election violence.

Lt. Col. Ronald E. Suscano, commander of the 6th Civil-Military Operations Battalion, said forces under Joint Task Force Central have shifted to a more proactive posture—focusing on early threat detection and rapid response rather than reacting after incidents occur.

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Instead of concentrating in urban centers, authorities are dispersing personnel across rural towns and volatile barangays, including parts of Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Cotabato province, and Cotabato City—areas where political rivalries have previously escalated into armed clashes.

Intelligence operations are also being intensified, combining community tip-offs with formal surveillance to monitor extremist remnants and loosely organized private armed groups. 

Officials expressed concern that local political actors could exploit militant factions, including remnants of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

To deter potential threats, authorities are increasing checkpoint visibility and foot patrols while quietly strengthening monitoring efforts, aiming to maintain security without causing public alarm.

The upcoming elections will serve as a major test of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, marking the region’s shift to a fully elected parliamentary government.

The Marcos administration views a credible and peaceful election as crucial to consolidating autonomy gains under the Bangsamoro Organic Law and sustaining decades of peacebuilding efforts.

With high political stakes, the AFP, PNP, and Commission on Elections are stepping up coordination. 

Authorities said preparations remain on track to ensure that Bangsamoro voters can safely cast their ballots in this defining moment for Mindanao.