Comelec asks BARMM to make peaceful preps as poll period starts
A Marine battalion arrives in Cotabato City to beef up the security forces of communities in the Bangsamoro region. —Photo dated March 9, 2025 from CRIZBELLE LORENZO
MANILA, Philippines — As the 60-day election period for the Bangsamoro Parliamentary elections began on Thursday (August 14), the Commission on Elections (Comelec) urged the region’s participation in ensuring a peaceful and orderly political exercise.
The gun ban is also now in effect – from August 14 until October 28, 2025 – covering the entire election period.
“Our request is that we hope you will participate like how we took part in the national and local elections to maintain peaceful and orderly preparations for the elections,” Garcia said in an online interview with reporters.
READ: Comelec to enforce gun ban for BARMM polls starting Aug. 14
Aside from carrying firearms or other deadly weapons, unless authorized by the poll body, the following activities are also prohibited during the election period:
- Use of security personnel or bodyguards by candidates, unless authorized by the poll body
- Alteration of the territory of a precinct or establishment of a new precinct
- Transfer or detail of officers and employees in the civil service, except upon prior approval of the commission
- Organization or maintenance of reaction forces, strike forces or similar forces
- Suspension of elective, provincial, city, municipal or barangay officer without prior approval of the commission
- Illegal release of prisoners
The Comelec said that violators of the gun ban may face the following penalties:
- Imprisonment of one to six years, without probation
- Disqualification from holding public office and loss of right to vote
- Deportation for foreigners, after serving the prison term
Garcia also said that the poll body began establishing checkpoints across the region. The Comelec has also deployed personnel from the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in these areas.
The poll chief on Wednesday told reporters that the Comelec will recommend the lifting of its control over Buluan in Maguindanao del Sur and Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao del Norte for the parliamentary elections.
READ: Election monitor backs Comelec’s push for BARMM polls in October
Garcia explained that this is because the national and local elections were already conducted.
During the election period for the May 2025 elections, the two provinces were placed under Comelec control because of the instances of violence observed in the area.
Datu Odin Sinsuat was declared under Comelec control following the ambush of its election officer.
Meanwhile, an increase in election-related violence prompted the poll body to take control over Buluan.
Under Comelec control, the poll body has full authority over a certain area, including its security. /apl
