MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections is gearing up to ensure a peaceful plebiscite in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on April 13, Comelec Spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said on Wednesday.
The plebiscite will ratify the creation of eight new municipalities in the Bangsamoro Special Geographic Area.
These are the municipalities of Kadayangan, Pahamuddin, Nabalawag, Kapalawan, Malidegao, Old Kaabakan, Ligawasa, and Tugunan.
Laudiangco noted that these proposed municipalities would come from the original towns of Aleosan, Carmen, Kabacan, Midsayap, Pigcawayan, and Pikit.
“Wala pong na-experience na election related violence or election related incidence diyan kaya kami po ay umaasa na magpe-prevail po ‘yung maayos na peace and order situation,” Laudiangco said, referring to the original municipalities.
(We haven’t experienced any election-related violence or election-related incidents there, so we are hoping that a peaceful and orderly situation will prevail.)
“Ngunit ang Comelec po, and AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] and PNP [Philippine National Police], pati na rin po ang ating BARMM ay patuloy na naghahanda para po makasiguro na hindi lamang walang kaguluhang mangyayari, kundi po mas maayos na halalan, mas maayos na plebisito, at matahimik na pagdaraos po ng mga transitions ang magaganap,” he added.
(However, the Comelec, AFP, PNP, and BARMM continue to prepare to ensure not only that no disturbances will occur but also for a smoother election, a smoother plebiscite, and peaceful conduct of the transitions that will take place.)
The plebiscite will run from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to be followed by canvassing of votes and the proclamation of a decision.
Laudiangco said that 85,900 voters are expected to participate in the plebiscite, with a budget of about P70 million.