Jamaine Punzalan

Residents in Sultan Kudarat look for their names from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) list of voters for the Bangsamoro Organic Law plebiscite at the Simuay Junction Crossing Elementary School, January 21, 2019. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File

Article (news)

Karen De Guzman

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/178641704893220190121-cotabato-plebiscite-JC-7316.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Residents in Sultan Kudarat look for their names from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) list of voters for the Bangsamoro Organic Law plebiscite at the Simuay Junction Crossing Elementary School, January 21, 2019. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File</span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Tuesday it would intensify security measures in 108 areas flagged by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as areas of concern ahead of the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections on September 14.</p><p>PNP chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said security operations in the Bangsamoro region would remain flexible, with police units ordered to adjust their deployment based on developments on the ground.</p><p>“Ensuring the peaceful elections in BARMM is a continuing process,” Nartatez said in a statement. </p><p>“Security measures are in place but regular monitoring and real-time adjustments are being done based on the situation on the ground,” he added. </p><p>Lanao del Sur has the highest number of areas classified as red zones, with 21, while Maguindanao del Sur has 11 areas placed under the orange category.</p><p>Other areas in Maguindanao del Norte and Basilan were classified under varying levels of risk, while Tawi-Tawi was assessed as relatively secure and stable.</p><p>Comelec’s classification identifies red zones as areas facing severe security risks, including a history of violent incidents. Orange zones, meanwhile, face serious armed security threats.</p><p>Yellow zones are areas with a history of election-related disturbances, while green zones are considered generally peaceful and secure.</p><p>Nartatez said the PNP would work closely with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to prevent armed groups from disrupting the elections.</p><p>The police chief said intelligence-sharing with the military would be strengthened as authorities continue operations against remnants of local armed and terror groups.</p><p>“The goal has always been to provide the safest environment for all our kababayan in the area to freely choose their next leaders, and eventually prove that BARMM is way different now compared to what it was known in the past, especially during elections,” Nartatez said. </p><p>The PNP urged residents to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious individuals or groups that could pose a threat to election security.   </p><div><a href="https://push.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/8/10/heavy-rain-flooding-could-pose-challenge-to-barmm-polls-comelec-1247">Heavy rain, flooding could pose challenge to BARMM polls — Comelec </a><br/><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/7/31/very-urgent-motion-to-resolve-cases-on-barmm-elections-filed-at-sc-1613">Very urgent motion to resolve cases on BARMM elections filed at SC; TRO pending resolution requested</a></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_WsFGT4qMk4?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Tuesday it would intensify security measures in 108 areas flagged by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as areas of concern ahead of the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections on September 14.</p>

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Tuesday it would intensify security measures in 108 areas flagged by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as areas of concern ahead of the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections on September 14.

PNP to tighten security in 108 BARMM election areas of concern

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Regions

PNP to tighten security in 108 BARMM election areas of concern

Karen De Guzman,

ABS-CBN News

Published August 11, 2026 10:59 AM PHT

Read More:

Bangsamoro

Bangsamoro elections

PNP

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Haven't received our newsletter?

Check your inbox to verify and confirm your subscription.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.