For generations, the story of the Bangsamoro has been shaped by a struggle for self-determination, marked by armed conflict, displacement, peace negotiations, and repeated attempts to establish meaningful autonomy in the southern Philippines.
On September 14, 2026, that long history will enter a new chapter.
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is set to hold its first parliamentary elections, allowing voters to choose the representatives who will form the region’s first elected parliament.
The election marks a major step in the transition from an interim government through the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) to an elected regional administration.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. described it as the “fruition of an entire peace process that began in 1968, then the Tripoli Agreement, and then the BARMM.”
The elections are also a crucial test of whether the decades of peace efforts can be translated into a stable and democratic self-government.
However, the significance of the election cannot be understood without looking back at the history that led to the establishment of the BARMM.
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Decades of struggle
The Bangsamoro homeland has a long history that existed even before the Philippines became an independent country. Muslim communities in Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago developed their own societies, traditions, systems of leadership, and Islamic identity. They also resisted foreign domination during the Spanish and American periods.
Conflicts and disagreements between the government and various Moro groups continued for decades.
Events such as the Jabidah incident in 1968 contributed to the growth of the Moro struggle for self-determination. The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and later the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), became important groups in the history of this struggle.
A significant step toward autonomy came in 1989 with the establishment of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) through Republic Act (RA) 6734.
The ARMM was later strengthened and expanded through RA 9054 in 2001. These laws provided an autonomous government for Muslim-majority areas of Mindanao within the framework of the Philippine Constitution.
On September 2, 1996, the government and the MNLF formally signed a peace agreement that ended a quarter of a century of fratricidal war in Mindanao. It was concluded after four years of tough negotiations held in Libya, Jakarta, Indonesia, and Mindanao.
At the same time, peace talks were ongoing from 1997 to 1999 with the MILF, a breakaway faction of the MNLF. In March 2000, then-president Joseph Estrada declared an all-out war against the group, which prompted it to withdraw from the negotiations.
The talks were formally resumed in 2001 under then-president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Here’s a timeline of the negotiations with the MILF that paved the way to the establishment of the autonomous region:
March 2001: The government and the MILF signed the Agreement on the General Framework for the Resumption of Peace Talks.
June 2001: The Tripoli Agreement on Peace was signed, with Libya and Malaysia playing important facilitating roles. The agreement centered on security, ancestral domain, and rehabilitation and development.
May 2002: The Joint Communiqué establishing the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group was signed as a form of cooperation against criminal groups in areas associated with the MILF.
2004: Malaysia became more involved with the creation of the International Monitoring Team, which helped oversee the ceasefire and contributed to confidence-building between the government and the MILF.
July 2008: The government and the MILF negotiated a Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) in July 2008. It was supposed to be signed on August 5, 2008, in Kuala Lumpur. However, the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order on August 4, 2008, preventing the signing. Violence subsequently erupted involving MILF breakaway elements, which displaced thousands.
July 2009: The government and the MILF agreed to mechanisms for suspending military operations.
June 2010: The government and MILF signed the Declaration of Continuity for the Peace Negotiations ahead of the takeover of the Aquino administration.
October 2012: The government and the MILF signed the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, which set the foundation for creating a new autonomous political entity called the Bangsamoro.
March 2014: The government and the MILF signed the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, described as the culmination of years of negotiations between the two sides.
July 2018: Republic Act 11054, or the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Bangsamoro Organic Law or BOL), was signed by then President Rodrigo Duterte. The law created the legal framework for the BARMM, replacing the ARMM. It aims to provide the Bangsamoro with a greater degree of self-government while still remaining part of the Philippines.
January 2019: The BOL was ratified through a plebiscite. A second plebiscite was held in February 2019. These enabled the establishment of the BARMM.
The BARMM currently consists of the provinces of Basilan (excluding Isabela City), Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and Tawi-Tawi; the cities of Cotabato, Marawi, and Lamitan; and eight municipalities in North Cotabato that voted for inclusion in 2019.
Sulu, although originally included in BARMM after the 2019 plebiscite, was excluded following a 2024 Supreme Court ruling because the province voted against ratifying the Bangsamoro Organic Law.
Commemorating the seventh year of the BARMM's establishment in January 2026, Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua said the region is solid in moving toward a single direction.
“Seven years ago, BARMM was born not out of comfort but from conviction. It grows from a long and difficult history in which we endured conflict, displacement, and neglect. Yet, we never surrender our faith, our dignity, and our right to decide our own future,” said Macacua.
“BARMM today stands as a symbol of unity. We came from different paths and perspectives, yet we learned that no institution can stand, and no progress can last, if we work against one another,” he added. —LDF, GMA News
Enacted in 2018, Republic Act No. 11054, or the Bangsamoro Organic Law, established the region's governmental structure and political entity to exercise self-governance according to the Philippine Constitution.
Under the law, BARMM was established with a “parliamentary form of government,” constituting a democratic political system that allows its people to freely vote (Sec. 3, Article IV).
But what does it mean to be parliamentary?
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Parliamentary seats
The BARMM Parliament is composed of 80 members.
The seats are divided into three classifications and will be allocated as follows:
- Regional Parliamentary Party Representatives (RPPP) - 40 seats
- Parliamentary District Representatives - 32 seats
- Sectoral Representatives - 8 seats
Regional Parliamentary Party Representatives (RPPP) seats are contested in a region-wide race among registered political parties, rather than individual candidates.
Each political party must submit a list of 40 nominees, ranked in order of priority to fill the seats won based on the overall votes gathered.
Think of it like the party-list representatives in the House of Representatives, who similarly rank their first, second, third, and subsequent nominees in case they win multiple seats.
According to the Botong Bangsamoro website, as far as practicable, at least one in every three party nominees must be a woman, and no nominee can be related to another within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity.
RPPP seats are allocated to political parties proportionally based on the percentage of votes obtained by each party relative to the total votes cast in the election.
Parties need at least 2.5% of the total valid votes to qualify, according to Comelec.
If qualifying groups receive varying percentages of votes, they will be ranked from highest to lowest, and the 40 seats will be distributed proportionally based on their vote shares.
For example, if a party secures 10% of the total RPPP votes across BARMM, it would earn roughly 4 seats (or 10 percent of the 40 available seats).
Meanwhile, Parliamentary District seats are awarded to representatives elected from single-member districts as follows:
- Basilan - 4
- Lanao del Sur - 9
- Maguindanao del Norte - 5
- Maguindanao del Sur - 5
- Tawi-Tawi - 4
- Cotabato City - 3
- Special Geographic Area (SGA) - 2
Unlike RPPP seats, district representatives are elected through a direct plurality vote, meaning whoever gets the most votes wins.
Lastly, the remaining eight seats reserved for Sectoral representatives are divided among Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples (NMIP) and Settler Communities with two seats each, alongside one seat each for Women, Youth, Traditional Leaders, and the Ulama.
However, voters will not vote for the two NMIP representatives on the main election ballot; instead, their own assembly will select them under rules set by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Chief Minister
The position of “Chief Minister” is not directly voted on by the public. Instead, it is collectively chosen through a majority vote among the 80 elected members of the Parliament.
This parliamentary power marks a milestone, as the Chief Minister was previously appointed by the President of the Philippines.
According to the Bangsamoro Organic Law, the responsibilities of the Chief Minister include serving as the head of the Bangsamoro Government and exercising the power to appoint heads of ministries, agencies, bureaus, and other offices within the regional executive branch.
Decisions made by the Chief Minister and their appointed cabinet members directly impact constituents across social services, education, security, and livelihoods.
Once seated, the Chief Minister is also responsible for nominating candidates for two Deputy Chief Minister positions, who are then elected by the members of Parliament.
BARMM is divided into three subregions: Southwestern Mindanao, North-Central Mindanao, and South-Central Mindanao.
Under the law, the two Deputy Chief Ministers must represent the two subregions different from that of the elected Chief Minister.
Qualifications
In general, to qualify as a parliamentary nominee, a candidate must meet the following criteria:
- Filipino citizen
- At least 25 years old on election day
- Youth representatives must be at least 18 years old and no older than 30 years old on election day
- Able to read and write
- A registered BARMM voter
In addition, candidates for district representatives must specifically be registered voters of the district they seek to represent and must have resided there for at least one year immediately preceding election day.
Duties and term in office
According to the Bangsamoro website, elected members of the BARMM Parliament carry out vital legislative duties, including enacting laws, holding public consultations, and disciplining their members.
Under the law, members of Parliament are tasked with the following duties:
- Enact laws that advance, protect, and ensure the general welfare of the people in the Bangsamoro region
- Authorize the Chief Minister, Parliament Speaker, and Presiding Justice of the Shari'ah High Court to augment items in the general appropriations law (budget)
- Regulate the grant of regional franchises and concessions, and empower the Chief Minister to grant leases, permits, and licenses over agricultural lands and forest management
- Declare official holidays
- Call for referendum on critical issues affecting BARMM
- Conduct inquiries to assist in drafting legislation
- Exercise disciplinary authority over members of Parliament
- Consult on matters affecting the environment
The elected BARMM officials in the upcoming first-ever polls will serve an extended five-year term starting at noon on October 30, 2026 until noon on June 30, 2031.
The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) will continue to serve as the interim government until the newly elected leaders take office, unless members are replaced by the President or elected to a different position.
Following this initial transition, standard terms for Parliament members will revert to three years under Sec. 11, Article VII of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, with a limit of three consecutive terms.
To sync the BARMM polls with the national and local elections moving forward, the next regular Bangsamoro elections will be held on the second Monday of May 2031 and every three years after that.
Voting process
The first regular elections on September 14 will utilize an Automated Election System featuring Automated Counting Machines (ACMs).
This means voters will shade their choices on paper ballots and feed them into the ACMs, which will print a receipt reflecting their selected candidates.
On election day, voters must shade their choices as follows:
- One (1) Regional Parliamentary Political Party
- One (1) District Representative
- Six (6) Sectoral Representatives (2 for Settler Communities, and 1 each for Women, Youth, Ulama, and Traditional Leaders)
Voters are allowed to bring a list or cheat sheet (kodigo) of their chosen candidates, provided it reflects their personal preferences.
Political party logos will appear beside party names on the ballot for easy identification, though individual party nominees will not be listed.
For individual candidate races, photos will be printed alongside names to prevent voter confusion among candidates with similar names.
For accessibility, ballots will be available in Filipino, English, and Arabic.
Comelec previously stated that it aims to proclaim the winning BARMM candidates within two days after election day, citing the efficiency of automated counting. —Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/LDF, GMA News
References:
Botong Bangsamoro 2026 - https://www.facebook.com/botongbangsamoro
Botong Bangsamoro App/Website: https://botongbangsamoro.web.app/
Comelec website, Facebook page, and documents
July 16- September 29, 2026:
Election period
July 16, 2026:
Last day to post List of Candidates
July 30, 2026-September 12, 2026:
Campaign period
September 4, 2026:
Last day to post Notice of Date and Time of Final Testing and Sealing of Automated Counting Machines (ACMs)
September 9, 2026:
Last day to post/serve Notice of Convening of Board of Canvassers (BOCs)
September 12, 2026:
Final Testing and Sealing of ACMs
September 14, 2026:
Election Day
September 15-19, 2026:
Period within which the Election Officers (EOs) shall advise in writing, by personal delivery or registered mail, all candidates residing in the EO's jurisdiction to comply with their obligations to file Sworn Statements of Election Contributions and Expenditures (Section 14, R.A. No.7166).
September 15-19, 2026:
Payment of Honoraria of Poll Workers
October 14, 2026:
Last day to file Statement of Contribution and Expenditures (SOCE)
—Mariel Celine Serquiña/VBL, GMA News
Voters in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will elect members of the region’s parliament on September 14, 2026.
The BARMM Parliament has 80 seats: 40 allocated to party representatives, 32 to district representatives, and eight to sectoral representatives.
Here is the list of candidates for the upcoming BARMM polls:
Click here to read more
BARMM Regional Parliament Political Party (RPPP)
1. Alliance of Bangsamoro Tri-People's Party (ABOT)
2. Bangsamoro Party (BAPA)
3. Bangsamoro Empowerment and Social Transformation Party (BEST Party)
4. Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP)
5. BARMM Grand Coalition (BGC)
6. Indigenous, Settlers, Sama and Minorities Alliance Party (ISAMA)
7. Mahardika Party (Mahardika)
8. People's Consultative (Mushawara) Party
9.Partido Bangon Bangsamoro (PBB)
10. Progresibong Bangsamoro Party (Pro Bangsamoro Party)
11. Bangsamoro Peoples' Democratic Party (Rayaat Democratic Party)
12. United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP)
Sectoral Groups
Settler Communities (2 seats):
1. Abujen, Alex Jr. (BGC)
2. Anayatin, Susana (BFP)
3.Arnado, Mary Ann (UBJP)
4. Lagman, Percival (C4P)
5. Olaya, Yul Adelfo (UBJP)
6. Padayhag, Arnold (BGC)
7. Ramirez, Edgardo (C4P)
8. Yu Ekey, Narciso (BFP)
Womens:
1. Jumaide, Dayangcarlsum (TPWC)
2. Kadatuan, Mariam (LBIAA)
3. Kader, Pombaen (BPW)
4. Sahali, Ruby (BGC)
5. Silongan, Aida (UBJP)
6. Usop, Jehan (BFP)
Youth
1. Abbas, Sulffy (UBJP)
2. Adiong, Jamil Faisal (BGC)
3. Ibrahim, Nur-Jamil (BFP)
Ulama
1. Abdullatif, Alibasher (BGC)
2. Borhan, Marhan (BFP)
3. Ebil, Muhammad Nadzir (UBJP)
Traditional Leaders
1. Ampatuan, Tharhata (ROYALS)
2. Atar, Abdul Hamidullah (RHSUMA)
3. Benito, Sailaney (RHSUPA)
4. Gumbila, Datuteng (BFP)
5. Hadji Nor, Jehad (RSL)
6. Ibay, Panga (ISLPI)
7. Macasalong, Marjanie (UBJP)
8. Mangudadatu, Datu Pax (BGC)
9. Maulana, Nursharif (DTLO)
Parliamentary District Representatives
BASILAN
First Parliamentary District:
1. Abdurahman, Rajan (UBJP)
2. Cutal, Abubakar (BAPA)
3. Furigay, Hegem (BPP)
4. Hassan, Rima (BFP)
Second Parliamentary District:
1. Angeles, Altun (IND)
2. Hassan, Khalid (BAPA)
3. Kallahal, Abdulsamie (BPP)
4. Kin Jing, Abath (IND)
5. Sali, Pai (UBJP)
6. Salung, Abbas (BFP)
Third Parliamentary District:
1. Hasalal, Khan (BAPA)
2. Hataman, Abrar (BFP)
Fourth Parliamentary District:
1. Ibno, Monar (BAPA)
2. Mohamad, Pendatun (BEST)
3. Muallam, Omar (UBJP)
4. Salliman, Jay Hataman (BFP)
5. Sattar, Alzad (BPP)
COTABATO CITY
First Parliamentary District:
1. Abas, Atty. Sheriff (UBJP)
2. Liggayo, Danilo (BEST)
3. Sema, Romeo (MP)
Second Parliamentary District:
1. Chua, Enggay (IND)
2. Datumanong, Dick (BAPA)
3. Midtimbang, Teng (UBJP)
4. Sinarimbo, Atty. Naguib (BFP)
Third Parliamentary District:
1. Antok, Tomanda (BFP)
2. Canen, Reynaldo (BEST)
3. Manticay, Prof. Hashim (UBJP)
LANAO DEL SUR
First Parliamentary District:
1. Dianalan, Rudy (PRO BM)
2. Gandamra, Doc Pala (SIAP)
3. Macalangun, Kuya Sultan (BAPA)
4. Pangandaman, Almen (IND)
5. Taher, Adbulrahman (UBJP)
6. Tomawis, Rolly (IND)
Second Parliamentary District:
1. Alonto, Boyet (SIAP)
2. Bazer, Samanudin (PRO BM)
3. Edres, Salahuden (IND)
4. Gauraki, Hamza (UBJP)
Third Parliamentary District:
1. Adiong, Rauf (SIAP)
2. Macaraya, James (UBJP)
3. Mangurun, Sittie Saleha (IND)
4. Rimbang, Sultan (IND)
Fourth Parliamentary District:
1. Abdul, Camal (PRO BM)
2. Comadug, Johari (IND)
3. Pandi, Lampa (UBJP)
4. Sumagayan, Odin (SIAP)
Fifth Parliamentary District:
1. Asum, Arimao (SIAP)
2. Papandayan, Khaledyassin (UBJP)
3. Tago, Udtog (IND)
Sixth Parliamentary District:
1. Balt, Jimmy (UBJP)
2. Cabugatan, Atornimox (PRO BM)
3. Macapodi, Hosni (SIAP)
Seventh Parliamentary District:
1. Dipatuan, Nora (UBJP)
2. Macasilang, Cardawi (IND)
3. Mindalano, Rayyan (SIAP)
4. Sarangani, Palao (IND)
Eighth Parliamentary District:
1. Balindong, Arrie (UBJP)
2. Torayas, Saipoden (IND)
Ninth Parliamentary District:
1. Adiong, Rashdi (SIAP)
2. Bayabao, Jalal (BAPA)
3. Galo-Lamping, Anwar (UBJP)
MAGUINDANAO DEL NORTE
First Parliamentary District:
1. Balitok, Jimmy (UBJP)
2. Tomawis, Prince Khalid (BFP)
Second Parliamentary District:
1. Ibay, Ibrahim (BFP)
Third Parliamentary District:
1. Baraguir, Naks (IND)
2. Macacua, Abdulraof (IND)
3. Mamad, Badrudin (IND)
Fourth Parliamentary District:
1. Abas, Abdulnasser (UBJP)
2. Agustin, Alexander (BEST)
3. Dilangalen, Jashriya (IND)
4. Sema, Bai Sandra (BAPA)
Fifth Parliamentary District:
1, Mastura, Atty. Cocoy (BFP)
MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR
First Parliamentary District:
1. Kasim, Edres (IND)
2. Midtimbang, Bobby (ITIHAD)
3. Midtimbang, Tawakal (UBJP)
4. Usop, Mohammad Hassan (BEST)
Second Parliamentary District:
1. Ampatuan, Datu Andre (BFP)
2. Sindatok, Saad (UBJP)
Third Parliamentary District:
1. Camendan, Basco (UBJP)
2. Datumanong, Tasmi (IND)
3. Sangki, Ali (ITIHAD)
4. Upam, Datu Edo (BAPA)
5. Upam, Daud (BFP)
Fourth Parliamentary District:
1. Delna, Aladen (BAPA)
2. Mangudadatu, DJ Parok (BFP)
Fifth Parliamentary District:
1. Alamada, Anwar (UBJP)
2. Ali, Rafsanjani (BFP)
3. Dalgan, Nasser (BAPA)
SPECIAL GEOGRAPHIC AREA
First Parliamentary District:
1. Ebrahim, Mansor (UBJP)
2. Malang, Butch (BFP)
Second Parliamentary District:
1. Enalang, Elaysa (UBJP)
2. Hassan, Allanuddin (IND)
3. Sinagandal, Kenindia (IND)
4. Sinolinding, Kadil Jr. (IND)
5. Sultan, Madam D (BFP)
TAWI-TAWI
First Parliamentary District:
1. Que, Julbert (BFP)
2. Sabal, Indah (UBJP)
Second Parliamentary District:
1. Halun, Aziz (UBJP)
2. Hayudini, Gamal (BGC)
3. Matba, Hadjimar (PRO BM)
Third Parliamentary District:
1. Albrinji, Mali (BGC)
2. Amilbangsa, Dayang (UBJP)
3. Dalagan, Alnahada (BAPA)
4. Matolo, Tina (BFP)
Fourth Parliamentary District:
1. Ahaja, Michail (IND)
2. Ahaja, Nur-Mahadil (BFP)
3. Jamalul, Sanya (IND)
4. Kasim, Dhan (UBJP)
—Mariel Celine Serquiña/VBL, GMA News
The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have deployed thousands of troops to ensure the safe and orderly conduct of the first parliamentary elections of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The PNP said it is stepping up its security measures in 108 election areas of concern (EAC) identified by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Of the total EACs, 15 areas were placed in the green category, 39 under yellow, 27 under orange, and another 27 under red.
What does it mean for an area to be classified as an EAC?
According to the Comelec, green areas have no security concerns or is relatively peaceful and orderly.
Yellow areas are those with suspected election-related incidents (ERIs) in the last two elections, politically motivated ERIs during the current election period, intense partisan rivalry, or a history of being placed under COMELEC control.
Orange locations have two or more factors under the yellow category, or exhibit serious armed threats.
Red category sites have one or more factors identified under the yellow and/or orange categories, along with serious armed threats or the existence of any ground for the declaration of COMELEC control.
In Comelec's most recent list heading into the polls, Lanao del Sur has the most red areas with 21, followed by Maguindanao with a distant 3. Basilan and Maguindanao del Norte have 1 each. Tugunan—a newly created town located in Cotabato province—was likewise listed under the red category.
Here are the following BARMM elections areas of concern of July 15, 2026:
Click here to read more
BASILAN:
Green (4)
- Akbar
- Hadji Mohammad Ajul
- Sumisip
- Ungkaya Pukan
Yellow (5)
- Hadji Muhtamad
- Lantawan
- Maluso
- Tabuan Lasa
- Tuburan
Orange (2)
- Tipo-Tipo
- Lamitan City
Red (1)
- Al-Barka
LANAO DEL SUR:
Green (0)
Yellow (14)
- Bacolod Kalawi
- Balindong
- Buadiposo-Buntong
- Bubong
- Bumabaran
- Ditsaan-Ramain
- Lumba Bayabao
- Madalum
- Madamba
- Maguing
- Marawi City
- Tagoloan
- Tugaya
- Wao
Orange (5)
- Balabagan
- Calanogas
- Kapatagan
- Malabang
- Picong
Red (21)
- Bayang
- Binidayan
- Butig
- Ganssi
- Kapai
- Lumbaca Unayan
- Lumbatan
- Lumbayanague
- Marantao
- Marogong
- Masiu
- Mulondo
- Pagayawan
- Piagapo
- Poona Bayabao
- Pualas
- Saguiaran
- Sultan Dumalondong
- Tamparan
- Taraka
- Tubaran
MAGUINDANAO DEL NORTE:
Green (0)
Yellow (9)
- Barira
- Buldon
- Datu Blah Sinsuat
- Kabuntalan
- Matanog
- Northern Kabuntalan
- Parang
- Sultan Mastura
- Upi
Orange (3)
- Sultan Kudarat
- Talitay
- Cotabato City
Red (1)
- Datu Odin Sinsuat
MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR:
Green (0)
Yellow (7)
- Datu Abdulah Sangki
- Datu Anggal Midtimbang
- Gen. S.K. Pendatun
- Guindulungan
- Mangudadatu
- South Upi
- Talayan
Orange (14)
- Ampataun
- Buluan
- Datu Hoffer Ampatuan
- Datu Paglas
- Datu Piang
- Datu Salibo
- Datu Saudi Ampatuan
- Datu Unsay
- Mamasapano
- Pagagawan
- Paglat
- Pagalungan
- Rajah Buayan
- Sultan Sa Baronngis
Red (3)
- Pandag
- Shariff Aguak
- Shariff Saydona Musthapa
TAWI-TAWI:
Green (11)
- Bongao
- Languyan
- Mapun
- Panglima Sugala
- Sapa-Sapa
- Sibutu
- Simunul
- Sitangkai
- South Ubian
- Tandubas
- Turtle Islands
Yellow, Orange, Red (0)
Special Areas:
Green (0)
Yellow (4)
- Kapalawan
- Ligawasan
- Malidegao
- Old Kaabakan
Orange (3)
- Kadayangan
- Nabalawag
- Pahamuddin
Red (1)
- Tugunan
Less than three weeks ahead of the polls, Comelec chairperson George Garcia said no areas in the BARMM are under the control of the poll body, following the recent ambush involving the region’s Interim Chief Minister, Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua.
An area may be placed under Comelec control when there is intense political rivalry between or among candidates, political factions, or parties; or the presence of paramilitary forces, private armies, or terrorist groups.
On August 15, Macacua and his entourage escaped unharmed after armed assailants ambushed their convoy in Datu Odin Sinsuat.
Macacua was traveling from his hometown in Barangay Gambar, Mother Kabuntalan, when the incident occurred.
He attended the proclamation rally of the Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP), the party he recently joined and where he was named chairman after previously running as an independent candidate in the province’s 3rd district.
—Mariel Celine Serquiña/VDV, GMA News
What to do before, during, after voting
After four postponements, it's all systems go for the parliamentary election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
To all BARMM voters, here is a practical guide to navigate election day safely and smoothly.
Before the vote
On September 13, the day before the election, a nationwide liquor ban will take effect, as indicated on the official Commission on Elections (Comelec) calendar.
Be sure to adhere to all election regulations, including restrictions related to illegal campaigning, carrying of weapons under the active gun ban, and vote-buying or selling.
When you cast your ballot, you are permitted to bring a prepared list or cheat sheet ("kodigo") of your selected candidates, provided it reflects your own personal choices.
You may prepare your selections for the following positions in advance:
- One (1) Regional Parliamentary Political Party
- One (1) District Representative
- Six (6) Sectoral Representatives (2 for Settler Communities, and 1 each for Women, Youth, Ulama, and Traditional Leaders)
To avoid delays, verify your polling precinct ahead of time using Comelec's online precinct finder:
https://precinctfinder.comelec.gov.ph/voter_precinct
Your designated polling location may be a public school, barangay hall, or other community facility.
To search for your precinct details, enter your full registered name, date of birth, and place of registration.
Voting day
On election day, priority voters can take advantage of designated early voting hours from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. They include senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and pregnant women.
Regular voting hours run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Priority voters could still vote during regular voting hours and would still be given priority access in line.
According to the Comelec, priority voters may proceed to the following designated areas:
- Regular Precincts
- Accessible Polling Places (APPs): Set up for PWDs, senior citizens, and pregnant voters who previously requested an APP setup on their voter registration records.
- Priority Polling Places (PPPs): Designated areas within the voting center specifically arranged for PWDs, senior citizens, and pregnant voters who have difficulty walking or climbing stairs.
All designated priority polling areas are located exclusively on the ground floor of voting centers.
Shading of ballots
The election will utilize Automated Counting Machines (ACMs). This means voters will shade their selections on paper ballots and feed them into the ACMs, which will then print a paper audit trail (voter receipt) reflecting their chosen candidates.
Upon arriving at your assigned precinct and room, present yourself to the Electoral Board and state your full name and precinct number clearly.
Take note: a voter's ID is not required to vote. However, in case they need further verification of your identity, it is best to bring valid IDs.
The board will issue you: (1) a ballot; and (2) a secrecy folder. Inspect your ballot before sitting down to ensure it is clean, blank, and unmarked.
You may refer to your candidate list ("kodigo") while filling out your ballot.
To prevent confusion, political party names will be indicated on the ballot alongside their official logos.
Take note of the political party's name and not their nominees as the latter will not be printed on the ballot.
For individual candidate races, candidate photographs will be printed beside their names to help voters distinguish candidates with similar names.
For accessibility, ballots are printed in Filipino, English, and Arabic.
After completing your ballot, feed it directly into the ACM, which will process the paper and print your voting receipt.
Take your time to carefully review your receipt and confirm that it accurately records all your choices before placing it in the designated drop box.
Finally, to signify that you have exercised your right to vote, indelible ink will be applied to your forefinger before you exit the room.
Participating in the vote is a vital civic responsibility, but a voter's duty does not end once the ink dries.
As Comelec tallies the votes—targeting a full proclamation within two days—stay engaged, monitor official election updates closely, and help ensure an orderly outcome for the region. —Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/VDV, GMA News