The Commission on Elections (Comelec) En Banc officially placed the entire Cotabato City and the municipality of Maluso in Basilan under its direct control on September 14, 2026.
This action coincides with the start of voting for the first-ever Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections, a pivotal moment for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), which was established in 2019 following a landmark peace agreement.
The poll body’s decisive move formally implements its decision following a documented series of violent incidents and heightened tensions reported in both areas on the eve of the crucial polls.
These incidents included a shooting and grenade explosion in Cotabato City that resulted in three fatalities and multiple injuries, alongside reports of widespread tension and harassment in Maluso, Basilan, underscoring the volatile security landscape.
Under Comelec Control, the commission bypasses local jurisdiction to directly oversee administration and security in these areas, a measure typically invoked in regions with a history of intense political rivalries and election-related violence.
Comelec will collaborate closely with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to ensure a peaceful and orderly electoral process.
The commission is also empowered to replace local officials or security personnel and directly enforce traffic laws and a gun ban.
These powers aim to maintain peace and order while citizens cast their votes, safeguarding the integrity of the significant first parliamentary elections for BARMM.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia assured the public that despite the imposition of Comelec Control in the two areas, the voting process would continue uninterrupted.
Authorities are maintaining a safe and controlled situation across all polling precincts, he added.