[CLSTR]
< Back to situation

[REVISION HISTORY]

BARMM parliamentary elections preparation

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-14 01:52 UTC → 2026-09-14 06:25 UTC · added removed

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. While To safeguard electoral integrity, the reprinting poll body has placed the municipality of Maluso under Comelec control. The commission has identified individuals allegedly responsible and shipping process from Manila 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 Zamboanga is expected to helicopter. While this may cause voting delays in those specific precincts, delays, Garcia stated clarified that voting in the elections will proceed and there is ‘no failure of elections.’ This historic transition marks a shift for groups such affected precincts may be extended until Tuesday, September 15, as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) toward participating in democratic governance. Approximately 2.3 million voters are expected to participate in electing 80 members a continuation of the elections rather than a formal postponement. All other BARMM parliament. precincts have opened as scheduled.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-14 06:25 UTC BARMM parliamentary elections preparation
  2. 2026-09-14 01:52 UTC BARMM parliamentary elections preparation
  3. 2026-09-12 04:58 UTC BARMM parliamentary elections preparation

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.