Manila, July 14 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) vowed to work closely with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and tighten security measures ahead of the implementation of the gun ban for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) elections.

The gun ban in BARMM will take effect on July 16 as part of the security preparations for the region's parliamentary elections in September. Authorities have identified several areas as election hotspots.

Security officials have also warned that remnants of the Abu Sayyaf Group and splinter factions of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters could be used to intimidate voters and influence the electoral process.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said on Tu...