Maguindanao del norte: Lawyer Renault Macarambon, the newly appointed Provincial Election Supervisor (PES) of Maguindanao del Norte, has issued a reminder to candidates participating in the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE) to exit voting centers immediately after casting their ballots in the upcoming September 14 elections. This directive is part of Macarambon's efforts to ensure compliance with electoral protocols.
According to Philippines News Agency, this announcement marks Macarambon's first outreach to candidates and their supporters in Maguindanao del Norte, one of the five provinces constituting the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Macarambon emphasized that only Commission on Elections (Comelec) personnel, accredited watchers, election watchdogs, and voters should remain within voting centers during the voting process. This aligns with Section 193 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 881, the Omnibus Election Code, which stipulates that voters must leave polling places immediately after casting their votes.
Further reinforcing this directive, Macarambon has instructed police personnel to ensure politicians do not linger in the area post-voting. This move follows similar instructions he issued to the electorate and candidates in Lanao del Sur on his last day as PES there before transitioning to his new role in Maguindanao del Norte. The Comelec had previously orchestrated a reshuffling of positions between Macarambon and former Maguindanao del Norte PES Mohammad Nabil Mutia as part of preparations for the regional elections.
As the historic BPE approaches, major stakeholders have highlighted the importance of interagency coordination to ensure a peaceful and orderly election. Security agencies and other stakeholders gathered on September 5 for the Provincial Joint Security Control Center Coordinating Conference at the Provincial Capitol in Buluan, Maguindanao del Sur. Brig. Gen. Ricky Bunayog, commander of the Army's 6th Infantry Division and head of Joint Task Force Central, stressed the need for synchronized security measures to ensure a credible electoral process.
The conference underscored the collective responsibility of government agencies, security forces, and other stakeholders to protect voters and uphold election integrity. Bunayog emphasized the necessity of public trust in the electoral system, advocating for coordination and accurate information to address issues and prevent misinformation.
