Marjie Kate Dayawan
BANGSAMORO REGION - The Philippine National Police Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-BARMM) activates two Regional Special Operation Task Groups (RSOTG) in preparations for the May 9, 2022 elections. One (1) Regional Special Operation Task Group will focus on Cotabato City and Maguindanao (RSTOG CoMag) and one (1) for Lanao Del Sur (RSTOG LDS). PNP BARMM Regional Director, Police Brigadier General Arthur Cabalona designates Deputy Regional Director for Administration, PBGen. Pablo Labra II, as the head of RTOG CoMag while PCol. Jeffrey Fernandez, PNP BARMM's Deputy Regional Director for Operations, leads the RSOTG LDS. PBGen Cabalona says the two RSOTGs will help prevent and address election-related incidents in the areas mentioned above, where intense political rivalry, private armed groups, criminal gangs, the proliferation of loose firearms, and threat groups exist. Meanwhile, PBGen Cabalona ensures to achieve a safe, fair, and free election in the region with the help of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The general also stressed to his men to remain apolitical.