The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) police have been instructed to remain non-partisan as security preparations intensify for the region's historic parliamentary elections scheduled for September 14.Brig.Gen.

Christopher Abecia, Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro (PRO-BAR) director, emphasized the importance of impartiality and professionalism during the election period, noting that the credibility of the polls hinges on the integrity of law enforcement.Abecia directed all police commanders to ensure personnel are prepared to respond swiftly to any incidents that could disrupt the elections.Security operations are heightened in 27 municipalities classified as 'red category' due to their history of election-related violence.The Philippine National Police will deploy 8,299 personnel, including 4,983 regular PRO-BAR officers, to secure the polls.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia clarified that the 'red category' classification is based on past election incidents, not current unrest, and no election-related attacks have been reported so far.

The elections mark a significant milestone in the Bangsamoro peace process, with 80 members of the Bangsamoro Parliament set to be elected under the region's new parliamentary system.