Comelec will not restrict MILF presence in BOL plebiscite areas, cites ‘freedom of movement’
MANILA, Philippines — The presence of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) plebiscite areas for the second round of voting on February 6 will not be restricted, Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesperson James Jimenez said Tuesday.
Some people have been complaining of the presence of MILF members in the voting areas during the first round of the plebiscite last January 21, but Jimenez said cited “freedom of movement.”
“The most important thing that we have to understand here is that we can’t unduly restrict the movement of people who are coming to an area for peaceful purposes,” Jimenez said in a press briefing.
“The best thing that we can do really is to make sure that while they are there, they do not cause trouble,” he added.
Jimenez also said the military is in charge of keeping an eye on the presence of MILF members during the conduct of the plebiscite.
“As for restricting movement of people, there are high standards to be met for the government to make the necessary intervention,” he said.
Article continues after this advertisement“‘Yun ang ginawa nung 6th Infantry Batallion, to keep tabs on MILF members. At hindi sila na naka-fighting gear roon, at hindi nagkaroon ng kaguluhan,” Jimenez added about the first round of the plebiscite.
Article continues after this advertisement(That’s what the 6th Infantry Batallion did, to keep tabs on MILF members. They were not in fighting gear then, and there was no trouble.)
Last January 21, members of the MILF were reported harassing and threatening the public to vote against the ratification of the BOL.
Despite this, the BOL was deemed ratified last January 25 after getting a landslide affirmative votes of 1.5 million against 198,750 dissenting votes.
READ: Yes votes have it: Law creating Bangsamoro region ratified
The second round of plebiscite will be held on February 6 in some municipalities in Lanao del Sur and some barangays under North Cotabato.
The residents of the said areas will have to vote for the BOL if they want to be included in the newly established Bangsamoro region. /ee
