Comelec: BARMM has most areas at ‘serious risk’ of poll violence
File picture of BARMM regional headquarters. – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) says most areas at “serious risk” of poll-related violence are found in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said most areas at “serious risk” of poll-related violence are found in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARRM).
According to the poll body, 30 of the 38 areas with “red” election risk factors are from the BARMM, while two are from Sulu, which used to be part of the self-determining region.
BARRM is set to conduct its first-ever parliamentary election on May 12, happening at the same time as the midterm national election.
READ: DILG identifies 38 hotspots ahead of 2025 polls
However, Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia on Friday explained that based on his experience, the identified BARM poll hotspots are “peaceful.” Although previous incidents in those areas are still being put into consideration, he added.
Article continues after this advertisement“Napakatahimik po ng lugar na ‘yan, siguro dahil lang may mga insidente na dati ng karahasan, dati pa po ‘yun, kasama din po kasi ‘yun sa pagfa-factor in,” Garcia said in an interview over dwPM.
Article continues after this advertisement(Those areas are very peaceful, but it could be that previous violent incidents there were also considered.)
“So it is possible na red sya ngayon dahil nga lang po may karahasan dati, dati lang po ‘yun mga ilang taon na ang nakakalipas, pero ngayon po napakatahimik ng mga lugar na yan,” he further emphasized.
(So they may be red because of the previous violence, but it’s only because of violence years ago, but the areas there now are very peaceful.)
Garcia said 12 election-related acts of violence have already been recorded by the Philippine National Police, including two that involved Comelec personnel in Mindanao.
Garcia said politicians are seen as persons of interest in the killing of acting election officer Mark Orlando Vallecer II in Lanao del Norte and the attempt to kill provincial election supervisor Vidzfar Julie.
