Comelec finalizes preparations for Sept.14 Bangsamoro polls
PARANG, Maguindanao del Norte – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) and security forces have finalized preparations and measures to ensure a peaceful, orderly, and secure vote for the first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Region on Sept. 14.
The Comelec held a “final command conference” on Wednesday at the headquarters of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) at Camp Brig. Gen. Salipada K. Pendatun here, bringing together top election, security, and national and local government officials to finalize preparations for the historic polls.
Comelec chair George Erwin Garcia led the half-day meeting attended by Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, Philippine Coast Guard Commander Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, and Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Donald Gumiran.
READ: Comelec holds final command conference for Sept. 14 BARMM polls
Abdulraof Macacua, interim chief minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and governors Ali Midtimbang, Tucao Mastura, Mamintal Adiong Jr. and Mujiv Hataman of Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, and Basilan, respectively, also attended the command conference. Tawi-Tawi Gov. Yshmael “Mang” Sali sent a representative.
For its preparations, Garcia said the poll body has completed most of its training for teachers who will serve in the elections, while the distribution of election equipment to provincial hubs is underway.
The Comelec expects all election equipment to reach the provinces, cities and municipalities in the BARMM before the end of August.
Garcia said the upcoming elections are particularly significant because the BARMM elections have been postponed several times, making the September 14 vote an important opportunity for residents to exercise their right to choose their leaders.
He also said the Comelec has been enforcing rules on campaign materials, including removing materials in non-designated poster areas.
Garcia said the security situation in the region remains stable so far, while acknowledging the need for continued vigilance as the election period approaches.
READ: Comelec ‘in full control’ ahead of BARMM polls
He said ordinary criminal incidents could potentially spill over into the election period and be mistaken for election-related violence.
On AFP’s part, Gen. Nafarrete said it has not monitored any election-related security threat so far, but has prepared contingency measures in case threat groups attempt to disrupt the polls.
Nafarrete said augmentation forces from the 1st Infantry Division in Zamboanga del Sur and the 10th Infantry Division in Mawab, Davao de Oro are on standby.
He said the military is also closely coordinating with the PNP to ensure security throughout the elections./coa
