President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.has authorized the involvement of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure the peaceful conduct of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections scheduled for September 14.This decision, formalized through Memorandum Order No.

48, aligns with the 1987 Constitution's Article IX-C, Section 2(4), which permits the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to deputize law enforcement agencies to guarantee free, orderly, and peaceful elections.

The memorandum order, signed on July 1 but published on July 16, 2026, mandates coordination between the AFP, PNP, and Comelec to enforce existing laws during the election period.A gun ban and checkpoints are in effect from July 14 to September 29 to maintain security.The BARMM elections will elect 80 members of the Bangsamoro Parliament, replacing the transitional authority.The elected members will take office on October 30, serving until June 30, 2031.The move underscores the government's commitment to preventing disruptions and ensuring electoral integrity in the region.