SULU – Authorities in the Bangsamoro region’s Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS) recently convened with law enforcement agencies in Sulu to address security preparations for the upcoming 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
The meeting took place on October 5 and saw representatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Commission on Elections (COMELEC), and various stakeholders discussing measures to ensure a smooth and secure electoral process.
The primary goal is to coordinate and strategize the deployment of security measures in line with the broader Bangsamoro Government’s objective of enhancing peace, justice, and security across the region by collaborating proactively with law enforcement agencies, development partners, and other stakeholders.
Al-Rashid Balt, Director-General of MPOS, underscored the ministry’s commitment to preventing election-related violence and focusing on peace advocacy. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that candidates, their supporters, families, and citizens prevent the use of violence.
During the meeting, the AFP and PNP presented recommendations and proposed interventions to address security concerns, while COMELEC shared critical data, including lists of election officers in each municipality and the contested barangays.
Election Officer III Shariff Ututalum of COMELEC-Sulu highlighted the need for strict adherence to the rule of law during the electoral process and discouraged unauthorized interventions within polling areas.
The PNP identified the towns of Indanan and Parang as hotspot zones at high risk of election-related violence, while the AFP added Patikul and Siasi with lower risks, although these designations are pending verification.
To enhance security measures in critical areas, the AFP proposed the establishment of Joint Security Control Centers (JSCCs) at provincial and municipal levels, which will oversee high-risk areas, provide support to COMELEC, conduct law enforcement operations, and facilitate data sharing.
Additionally, the AFP suggested forming Joint Monitoring Teams comprising members from various security groups to monitor the security situation and promptly notify the JSCC of any unusual activities.
These measures aim to ensure a safe, fair, and honest electoral process, empowering the people to choose leaders who can effectively address their concerns, implement policies, and ensure accountability within local government units. The Bangsamoro Government remains committed to supporting local leaders in delivering essential services to their constituents efficiently.
