Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte — The Commission on Elections (COMELEC), in close coordination with the military, police, and other stakeholders, is ramping up preparations for the first-ever Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections, set for October 13, 2025.
COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia led the recent high-level meeting of the Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC) held at Camp Siongco, headquarters of the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID). Present were COMELEC Commissioners Maria Norina Casingal, Aimee Ferolino, Executive Director Teopisto Elnas, BARMM Regional Director Ray Sumalipao, and provincial election officers from across BARMM, including Maguindanao del Norte and Sur, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi.
In the meeting, the Philippine National Police–BAR, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Philippine Coast Guard presented their security plans and deployment strategies. They also raised operational concerns to ensure a peaceful and credible election.
Chairman Garcia emphasized the need for tight coordination, stating, “We are ready for that democratic exercise.” He also urged the Bangsamoro Parliament to act swiftly on the reallocation of parliamentary districts following the Supreme Court’s ruling excluding parts of Sulu from BARMM’s core territory, to ensure fair representation in the October polls.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Ferolino underscored the need for robust security for all COMELEC personnel, citing the tragic killing of municipal election officer Atty. Bai Maceda Abo and her husband in Datu Odin Sinsuat on March 26—an ambush suspected to be work-related. “We want all of them safe during the first regional parliamentary elections,” Ferolino stressed.
Newly appointed Police Brig. Gen. Jaysen De Guzman of PRO-BAR, along with top AFP officers Brig. Gen. Patricio Ruben Amata (6ID), Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu (601st Brigade), and Brig. Gen. Ricky Bunayog (602nd Brigade), all vowed to ensure the safety and security of election personnel and the voting public.
The landmark elections will see political parties across the region contesting 80 seats in the Bangsamoro Parliament. The party that secures the majority will form the “government of the day,” leading the regional governance in the next term.
COMELEC has also released the official calendar of activities under Resolution No. 11149:
- August 14 – October 28: Election Period; start of Gun Ban
- August 28 – October 11: Campaign Period
- October 3 – 13: Absolute ban on release of public funds (except for medical and burial assistance)
- October 8 – 12: Final Testing and Sealing of Automated Counting Machines
- October 12: Eve of Election; Liquor Ban and campaigning prohibited
- October 13: Election Day
- Regular voting: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Early voting: 5:00 AM – 7:00 AM
- November 12: Last day for filing of Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE)
With security and election officials actively laying the groundwork, COMELEC urges the public to stay informed and participate in this historic event.
Handa ka na ba, Ka-Bangsamoro?