Following the peaceful and orderly conduct of the recent midterm elections, security officials in Western Mindanao are now gearing up for the upcoming Bangsamoro parliamentary polls scheduled for October 13.

Police Lt. Gen. Bernard Banac, the commander of the Area Police Command-Western Mindanao (APC-WesMin), emphasized that the early security preparations are crucial to maintaining the successful law enforcement operations seen during the midterm polls.

Banac mentioned that various police maneuver forces under the APC-WesMin's operational control have been put on alert to provide potential augmentation and operational assistance to Task Force BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao).

Task Force BARMM oversees all law enforcement and public safety activities to ensure a smooth and peaceful electoral process, working closely with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Commission on Election, and Philippine Coast Guard units stationed in BARMM.

According to Banac, additional support will be coming from the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Soccsksargen regions to bolster the efforts of Task Force BARMM.

The Bangsamoro parliamentary elections were initially set to coincide with the May 12 midterm polls but were rescheduled to October 13 following President Marcos's approval of the law.

These elections mark a significant milestone in the peace agreement with MILF, paving the way for the establishment of the BARMM government.

The winners of the parliamentary polls will replace the current officials of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, which was formed in 2019 to oversee governance in the region.