Maluso: The Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE) in the municipality of Maluso, Basilan, will resume on Tuesday following the arrival of reprinted official ballots. This development was announced by Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairperson George Garcia on Monday evening. A total of 16,563 ballots, designated for 36 polling places, have been delivered to Cotabato City in preparation for the resumption of voting activities.
According to Philippines News Agency, the ballots for Maluso, which had been compromised due to pre-shading, were initially reprinted and have now arrived in Zamboanga. They will be transported by the Philippine Navy and are expected to reach Maluso by Monday night or Tuesday morning for distribution to election board members. Garcia emphasized the significance of these ballots, noting that they could influence the results for party or district representatives.
The Comelec had ordered the reprinting of the ballots after discovering that they had been compromised. To ensure transparency and proper conduct of the election, commission members will be present in Maluso to oversee the voting process.
Voting will occur from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with early voting available for members of the vulnerable sector from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. These individuals may also vote alongside regular voters during standard hours. Garcia clarified that the resumption of voting is not a special or postponed election but a continuation of the September 14 elections.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that voting in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is proceeding smoothly, with 98.90 percent of voting centers operating normally. However, 13 centers in Basilan have yet to commence voting. PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. assured that police personnel are actively deployed across the six parliamentary areas to provide security and assistance.
The PNP is working closely with Comelec, local authorities, and partner agencies to ensure a safe and orderly voting environment. Nartatez highlighted the PNP's commitment to maintaining peace and security throughout the electoral process, ensuring that voters can exercise their rights without fear or disruption.
As part of their election security operations, the PNP remains on heightened alert, prepared to provide necessary assistance as voting continues, particularly in areas where it has not yet begun. The operations align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s dedication to a peaceful electoral process.
