TIGHT WATCH. Police manning a checkpoint along the highway in Maguindano, a province, under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Minadanao (BARMM), checks on motorists in connection with the forthcoming May 13 midterm polls. Officials from the BARMM and Region 12 both expressed optimism in the conduct of a peaceful and orderly election. (PRO-BARMM file photo)
KIDAPAWAN CITY -- Local government, police and military officials in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and in Region 12 (Soccsksargen) are confident of peaceful elections on Monday.
Abdullah Cusain, deputy executive secretary to BARMM chief Minister Murad Ebrahim, said Friday that BARMM regional government executives are hoping for peaceful balloting, especially since the majority of the region’s voters are observing the fasting month of Ramadan.
Cusain said the BARMM leadership is calling on all political parties and politicians in Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi and the cities therein to abide by the Omnibus Election Code and observe fair play.
“The BARMM leadership is urging voters in the Bangsamoro region to adhere to the tenets of Ramadan, like honesty, patience, and reconciliation when they exercise their right of suffrage,” he said.
Cusain added that Ebrahim’s appeal also goes to rival political groups, many of whom have resorted to social media attacks.
Major Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, has directed all military units and affiliate forces to remain apolitical and ensure the election is peaceful and orderly.
Philippine National Police Chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde, who visited the BARMM police office, reiterated to all policemen that they must remain loyal to the Constitution and not to any politician or partisan groups.
Brig. Gen. Eliseo Tam Rasco, police director for the Soccsksargen region, believed that the huge number of personnel deployed across the region will help ensure peaceful and orderly balloting on Monday. (PNA)
