Tight security measures have been put in place to ensure a peaceful and orderly filing of certificate of candidacy (COC) in Cotabato City on October 1 to 8, 2024.

According to the local police and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in Cotabato City and Maguindanao del Norte, safety remains a priority during the COC filing.

“Lahat po ng kayang humanly possible [security measures] na pwedeng gawing preparation ay ginagawa na namin—just to make sure na maging peaceful and orderly filing of COC and even up to the election day,” Maguindanao del Norte Election Officer, Atty. Mohammad Nabil Mutia, was quoted as saying.

“Napagkaisahan po nating ma-implement ang mga security measures for the safety of the aspiring candidates, employees, and the perimeter of the BGC, and secure the venue where candidates file their COC,” Mutia added.

Those who will run in Cotabato City should file their COC at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex while aspiring candidates in Maguindanao del Norte will have to file their COC at the Office of the Provincial Election Supervisor, both are located inside the Bangsamoro Government Center (BGC).

Aside from the tightened security measures, a rerouting scheme for vehicles and strict policy within and outside the BGC will also be implemented.

These policies are:

  • Temporary closure of Gov. Gutierez Avenue to BGC;
  • Rerouting of public utility jeepneys and private vehicle to ND Village and adjacent;
  • Strictly only one (1) vehicle for each aspiring candidate will be allowed to enter the BGC;
  • Strictly no firearms allowed inside the BGC;
  • Only one (1) vehicle for each aspiring candidate will be allowed to enter the BGC;
  • Supporters/others in the convoy will not be allowed to enter along Governor Gutierez;
  • Employees of BARMM with private vehicle/s will use the back gate while employees and walk-in client/s who will be affected by the rerouting will be fetched through the BARMM coaster along ND Village corner Malagapas access road;
  • Out-patient for medical check-ups at Polymedic will be fetched by the RMDU ambulance

COMELEC said the COC filing for positions that comprise the 80-seat regional parliament will be on November 4 to 9, 2024.