Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Wednesday expressed confidence in the conduct of the historic Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections on September 14, 2026, saying preparations are 98 percent complete as authorities intensify efforts to ensure peaceful and orderly elections.

“Konting-konti na lang, fine-tuning na lang. We’ll make sure that nothing happens again, but 98 percent [ready]. All the polling precincts are there, all the contingencies are there,” Remulla said following a command conference at the Philippine National Police-Police Regional Office (PNP-PRO) BARMM.

Remulla went to Camp BGen Salipada K. Pendatun in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte to assess preparations for the upcoming elections. He was joined by PNP Chief PGen Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. and other key officials.

The DILG chief also called on the Bangsamoro electorate to carefully choose the leaders who will help shape the future of the region.

“Choose your leader wisely; your future depends on them.”

Remulla said all hands are on deck to ensure that the Bangsamoro electorate can exercise their right to vote in a peaceful and orderly environment. He added that 5,000 police officers and additional personnel will be deployed in the region for the elections.

“Yung peace and order situation [is vigilantly attended to]. 5,000 police and additional police will be sent here, so, confident naman kami sa mangyayari dito,” he said.

The BARMM Parliamentary Elections were initially scheduled earlier this year but were postponed due to the lack of ample time for preparations, as announced by the Commission on Elections in January 2026.

Remulla said the historic elections are also an opportunity to demonstrate to the international community that “a Muslim nation can exist in a Christian republic.”

Addressing police officers who will be deployed for the BARMM Parliamentary Elections, Remulla issued a stern reminder that they will be held accountable for maintaining peace and order throughout the electoral exercise.

“I will hold each and every police officer here accountable; that if any violence happens in this coming elections, you will be accountable to me and to the Chief PNP. Peace must prevail.”