Comelec deploys more troops to BARMM for COC filing

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported Sunday that additional military and police personnel will be deployed to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) starting Monday for the filing of certificates of candidacy until November 9.

Comelec Chair George Garcia stated during an interview with Super Radyo dzBB that the increased presence is aimed at ensuring peace and security during the COC filing process for BARMM's first parliamentary elections, which will also include the filing of List of Nominees and Certificates of Acceptance of Nomination for regional parliamentary political parties.

Garcia emphasized that while additional forces are welcome, they do not indicate a perception of heightened violence risk in the region; he urged candidates to maintain order among their supporters.

Despite one shooting incident on October 8 in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao, COC filings for midterm polls were generally peaceful, Garcia noted.

The Comelec chair expressed confidence in the ability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police to maintain order throughout the election period, urging swift action against those involved in violent acts.