Caution regarding visits to southern Mindanao in connection with the September 14 BARMM Parliamentary Election
As the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) prepares to hold its first regular parliamentary election on Monday, September 14, the Philippine government, police, and military authorities are stepping up security and alert statuses in the region to ensure a safe and peaceful election.
In particular, security concerns have arisen in some areas ahead of the election, such as a recent shooting incident targeting a convoy of the BARMM interim Chief Minister. In response, the PNP is deploying over 9,000 police personnel and the AFP is deploying more than 10,000 troops, maintaining a high level of security readiness.
Furthermore, the PNP has designated 108 areas within the BARMM as areas of concern related to the election and is reinforcing security measures tailored to the risk levels of each locality.
Accordingly, Korean residents and visitors are advised to take note of the following guidelines and exercise special caution regarding their safety.
<Precautions>
1. Refrain from visiting BARMM and surrounding areas during the election period
- Please avoid unnecessary travel or visits to the BARMM region and areas of concern before, during, and after the election period.
- If a visit is unavoidable, please check the local security situation and guidance from relevant authorities in advance.
2. Avoid approaching election-related venues and gatherings
- Please refrain from approaching election-related locations such as campaign sites, political rallies, and polling stations.
- If an election-related gathering or protest occurs, assess the surrounding situation, immediately leave the scene, and move to a safe place.
- Please also refrain from getting involved in election-related political debates or arguments.
3. Be mindful of checkpoints, inspections, and police control
- As the operation of checkpoints and patrols by police and military authorities may be intensified during the election period, please actively cooperate with the instructions of local authorities.
- Always carry necessary identification such as an ID card and passport, and take care to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings during inspection processes.
4. Travel Ban on Zamboanga, Sulu, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, and Marawi City
- Visiting or staying in travel ban areas without government authorization may be punished with imprisonment of up to 1 year or a fine of up to 10 million KRW under the Passport Act.
5. Continuously check local security and government announcements
- As the security situation may change rapidly before and after the election, please frequently check official announcements from the PNP, AFP, local government units, and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
- Even while traveling, if any abnormal signs or dangerous situations such as armed conflict occur locally, immediately evacuate the area and move to a safe location.
Emergency Contacts
Consular Call Center (24/7): +82-2-3210-0404
Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines: +63-917-817-5703
Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Cebu: +63-32-231-1516~9
Source: Overseas Safety Information, Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines · Posted on 2026-09-02 · Korea Open Government License Type 1 (Source Indication)
https://ph.mofa.go.kr/ph-ko/brd/m_27094/view.do?seq=1346438
