Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has announced that the 60-day election period for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections (BPE), scheduled for October 13, will commence on August 14. Comelec Chairman George Garcia highlighted that checkpoints will be set up across the region starting at midnight, aiming to ensure a secure election environment.

According to Philippines News Agency, Chairman Garcia assured residents that their rights would be respected at the checkpoints. “You can expect these checkpoints to be established throughout the region, so there will be slight disruptions,” he stated in an interview. He also mentioned that no areas within BARMM would be placed under Comelec control during this election, unlike the previous May 12 elections when Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao del Norte and Buluan in Maguindanao del Sur were placed under Comelec control due to violence.

Comelec Resolution No. 11149 outlines several prohibitions during the election period, which will last until October 28. Prohibited activities include bearing, carrying, or transporting firearms or other deadly weapons unless authorized by the poll body. The use of security personnel or bodyguards by candidates, unless sanctioned by Comelec, is also prohibited. Additionally, organizing or maintaining reaction forces or strike forces is not allowed.

Further restrictions include the suspension of elective provincial, city, municipal, or barangay officials without Comelec’s prior approval. The transfer or detail of officers and employees in the civil service is restricted, as is the alteration of polling precinct territories or the establishment of new precincts.