Tight security was implemented on the first day of the filing of certificate of candidacy (COC) for the first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Aspirants filed their COC at the Bangsamoro Government Center in Cotabato City starting on Monday, November 4, 2024.

“Ang pinapatupad natin ngayon ay tung mga supporters natin hindi na pwedeng pumasok dito para si magkakagulo hanggang duon lang sila sa designated area with the PNP and Military,” Maguindanao del Norte Provincial Police Office Director, Col. Sultan Salman Sapal, said.

Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman, George Erwin Garcia was present at the government center on the first day.

“Gusto nating ipakita sa lahat na magsimula na sila sa pagpafile ng certificate of candidacy at the same time gusto natin i garantiya ma maayos at tahimik yung filing of certificate of candidacy natin sa buong bansa,” Garcia said.

Several aspirants for district representatives in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte have filed their COC on the first day.

“Isulong ang political party, gamitin ang mga religious leader, wala dapat gawing ibang hakbang maliban sa sumabak sa election sa parliament,” aspirant, Sheik Abdulhadie, said.

Garcia said the election will push through.

“Kaya tayo pumunta rito sapagkat nabalitaan din natin yung maaring pagpa-file ng panukalang batas ng pagpo-postpone ng Bangsamoro Parliament Election subalit gusto nating ipakita na hindi naman nagpapaapekto ang COMELEC sa mga maararing maifile na ganyan again hanggang walang batas andun yung paghahanda ng Commission on Election tatapusin natin itong filing ng candidacy,” Garcia said.

COMELEC said there are 73 seats to be filled in the parliamentary elections. Of the 73, at least 40 are for regional political parties; 25 for parliamentary districts; and eight for electoral organizations.

Under the law, 80 seats will have to be filled in. However, the seven seats for district representatives in Sulu are not included since the province has been excluded from BARMM.

“Hindi kasi call ng Commission on Election diyan, eh… basta sa amin, we conduct the election base doon sa 25 basta hindi 32 na kasama dapat ang Sulu… we will conduct the election base sa 25, kung paano pupunan yung kabuuan na 80 dahil 73 lamang magiging miyembro ay wala sa jurisdiction ng Comelec either nasa congreso yan o sa Bangsamoro Parliament,” Garcia added.

The COC filing is until Saturday, November 9, 2024.