Comelec all set for Maguindanao plebiscite

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is ready for the holding of the plebiscite in Maguindanao on Sept. 17.

The plebiscite will ratify the division of Maguindanao into Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur, as provided under Republic Act 11550 signed by former president Rodrigo Duterte in May 2021.

Comelec acting spokesman Rex Laudiangco said the printing of ballots was completed on Aug. 20 while all other forms were finished on Aug. 24.

The Comelec said 818,790 copies of the official ballots, 1,660 sets of plebiscite returns and 37 sets of summary of votes have been printed.

A set of four copies of certificates of canvass and proclamation was also printed along with 38 sets of COCs and 120 statement of votes by precincts.

Laudiangco said all election paraphernalia have been verified by the reception and verification committees and deployed to the capital town Buluan.

He said the Comelec is hoping that the peaceful and orderly situation in Maguindanao will prevail until the end of the election period.

Laudiangco said the poll body, Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police have come up with a joint security plan to ensure the smooth conduct of the plebiscite.