BARMM prepares for first parliamentary elections on Oct 13

Journalists across southern Philippines are preparing for their coverage of the first parliamentary elections on October 13, 2025, in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The event marks a historical precedent and has drawn excitement from local media outlets like Station DXMY in Cotabato City.

Security officials such as Brig. Gen. Jaysen De Guzman and Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete have assured journalists of adequate security during the electoral exercise, emphasizing that personnel will secure them to the best of their ability across all provinces and cities in BARMM.

A dialogue organized by the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) was held on August 12 to discuss safety concerns for media covering the polls, with officials from various agencies including the Commission on Elections and social welfare minister Raissa Jadjurie participating.

Participants were given insights into accessing interventions through PTFOMS if they encounter security issues while reporting, underscoring the importance of collaboration in ensuring the safety of journalists during this significant electoral period.