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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Mindanao devider Security preparations for BARMM polls COC filing starts

Security preparations for BARMM polls COC filing starts

Published Apr 22, 2026 02:03 pm
OFFICIALS discuss security for the May 5 to 7 filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) in Maguindanao del Sur in the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections on Sept. 14. (Maguindanao del Sur PPO)
OFFICIALS discuss security for the May 5 to 7 filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) in Maguindanao del Sur in the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections on Sept. 14. (Maguindanao del Sur PPO)
COTABATO CITY – Police and poll officials have begun security preparations, initially held in Maguindanao del Sur province, for the May 5 to 7 filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COC) in connection with the first-ever Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE) set for September this year.
Police Col. Michael John Mangahis, Maguindanao del Sur police director, met on Wednesday with lawyer Allan Kadon, provincial election director, to map out security plans to ensure the filing of COCs is peaceful and secure in the province for the polls.
Both agencies discussed joint protocols, technical safeguards, and deployment strategies to protect polling stations, election materials, and personnel.
Among the issues agreed by both sides were the deployment of additional peacekeeping forces from nearby regions as augmentation troops to help ensure orderly and smooth filing of COCs.
In a statement, Mangahis said comprehensive security measures are already in place across all municipalities, including troop deployments, checkpoints, and visibility patrols to deter intimidation and violence.
“These proactive steps aim to guarantee that candidates and citizens alike can participate freely and safely during the filing period,” he said.
Police, backed by soldiers, would be deployed at municipal Commission on Elections (Comelec) offices and at checkpoints on all roads leading to the town center during the polls, he added.
Mangahis also appealed to political aspirants to abide by the established filing protocols to prevent misunderstanding, confusion, and violence during the process.
Elections in the region will take place on Sept. 14, during which the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) electorate will choose district representatives to the parliament and elect political parties and sectoral representatives.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act 12317 in March this year, resetting the first regular elections in the BARMM to the second Monday of September 2026.
The BARMM covers the provinces of Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, and the Special Geographic Area in Cotabato province. (PNA)

Related Tags

COC BPE Maguindanao del Sur Comelec
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