[CLSTR]
< Back to situations

Monitor this situation.

[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [POLITICS]

3 clusters · 6 sources · 20 days · First seen · Last updated

BARMM parliamentary elections preparation

Overview

In preparation for the first-ever Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections on September 14, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has implemented various security and logistical measures.

To maintain order, Comelec increased security presence by establishing nearly 25,000 checkpoints across the region. Authorities have also been enforcing a gun ban in effect since July 16, resulting in the seizure of over 20 firearms and the apprehension of fifteen individuals. Comelec Chair George Erwin Garcia stated the agency is ‘in full control’ of the situation, noting that while shooting incidents have occurred, only one ambush on a convoy has been classified as election-related.

As the election date approached, Comelec completed the final testing and sealing of automated counting machines (ACMs) across 5,212 precincts. To prevent tampering, the machines require two different members to insert cards for operation. The commission also addressed concerns regarding misinformation and power outages, clarifying that ballots are vacuum-sealed and that ACM batteries can operate for more than 14 hours.

However, on September 13, Comelec reported that ballots were compromised in 36 out of 68 precincts in Maluso, Basilan. Chairperson Garcia announced that these ballots were found to be ‘pre-shaded,’ prompting an order to reprint them. To safeguard electoral integrity, the poll body has placed the municipality of Maluso under Comelec control. The commission has identified individuals allegedly responsible and stated they will be held accountable.

Replacement ballots are being emergency-printed at the National Printing Office in Quezon City and transported to Zamboanga, then flown to Basilan via helicopter. While this may cause delays, Garcia clarified that voting in the affected precincts may be extended until Tuesday, September 15, as a continuation of the elections rather than a formal postponement. All other BARMM precincts have opened as scheduled.

Entities

George Erwin Garcia · Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao · Commission on Elections · Maluso, Basilan · Basilan

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Timeline

  1. about 18 hours ago

    [POLITICS] 4 sources
    Maluso, Basilan placed under Comelec control after discovery of pre-shaded ballots

    The Commission on Elections has placed Maluso, Basilan under its control after discovering pre-shaded ballots in 36 precincts during the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections.

  2. 3 days ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Comelec completes final testing for BARMM parliamentary elections

    Comelec has finalized testing and sealing of machines for the historic BARMM parliamentary elections on Sept. 14, dismissing false reports of pre-shaded ballots and assuring machine battery longevity.

  3. 20 days ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Comelec increases security for BARMM parliamentary elections

    Comelec is increasing checkpoints and enforcing a strict gun ban to ensure the September 14 BARMM parliamentary elections remain peaceful and orderly despite recent security incidents.

Sources

atinitonews.com · cids.up.edu.ph · Inquirer.net · ptvnews.ph · savoryspiceshop.com · themindanaosentinel.com

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history