# BARMM parliamentary elections preparation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/barmm-parliamentary-elections-preparation > Updated: 2026-09-13T13:11:26.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 3. 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. ## Claims - Comelec discovered pre-shaded ballots in 36 of the 68 voting precincts in Maluso, Basilan. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Replacement ballots are being transported from the National Printing Office in Quezon City to Basilan via Zamboanga. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Commission on Elections has identified individuals allegedly responsible for the pre-shading of ballots. (single source) - Maluso, Basilan has been placed under Comelec control to protect the electoral process. (single source) - The election in affected precincts may be continued until Tuesday, September 15. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-13: 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. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/comelec-reports-compromised-ballots-in-basilan-precincts ### 2026-09-11: 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/comelec-completes-final-testing-for-barmm-parliamentary-elections ### 2026-08-25: 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/comelec-increases-security-for-barmm-parliamentary-elections --- Cite as: BARMM parliamentary elections preparation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/barmm-parliamentary-elections-preparation