THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday said everything is set for the April 13 plebiscite to be held in the “special geographic area” (SGA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
In a phone interview, Comelec spokesman John Rex Laudiangco said they have completed their preparations for the plebiscite in the 63 barangays of North Cotabato that opted to be included in the BARMM.
“Everything is ready and prepared, from the security forces, plebiscite committees and its members, the plebiscite canvassing boards as well as the election documents, supplies, and paraphernalia to be used in the April 13 SGA plebiscites,” said Laudiangco.
He appealed to all registered voters in the covered areas to cast their votes and make their opinions known on the proposal to form eight new municipalities in the Bangsamoro.
“Through this plebiscite, they will be given the opportunity to create the eight new municipalities that are independent local government units,” said the poll official.
“We call on all registered voters there to go out and make their voices heard on the matter through a democratic process that is a plebiscite,” added Laudiangco.
The conduct of the plebiscite is in accordance with the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act Nos. 41 to 48.
The said BARMM laws propose the creation of eight municipalities from the 63 barangays of the special geographic area, all in North Cotabato.
Under the proposal, the municipality of Pahamuddin will be composed of Barangays Balacayon, Buricain, Datu Binasing, Datu Mantil, Kadingilan, Lower Pangangkalan, Libungan Torreta, Matilac, Patot, Upper Pangangkalan, Lower Baquer, and Simsiman from the municipality of Pigcawayan, North Cotabato.
The municipality of Kadayangan shall be composed of Barangays Central Labas, Kapinpilan, Malingao, Mudseng, Sambulawan, Tugal, and Tumbras from the municipality of Midsayap, North Cotabato.
The municipality of Nabalawag will be composed of Barangays Damatulan, Kadigasan, Kadingilan, Kudarangan, Nabalawag, Olandang from the municipality of Midsayap; and Dungguan from the municipality of Aleosan, both of North Cotabato.
The municipality of Old Kaabakan shall be composed of Barangays Buluan, Nangaan, Sanggadong, Simbuhay, Simone, Pedtad, and Tamped from the municipality of Kabacan, North Cotabato.
The municipality of Kapalawan will be composed of Barangays Kibayao, Kitulaan, Langogan, Manarapan, Nasapian, Pebpoloan, Tupig from the municipality of Carmen, North Cotabato.
On the other hand, the municipality of Malidegao will be composed of Barangays Balungis, Batulawan, Fort Pikit, Gokotan, Nabundas, Nalapaan, Nunguan from the municipality of Pikit, North Cotabato.
The municipality of Tugunan to be composed of Barangays Balong, Bualan, Lagunde, Macabual, Macasendeg, Manaulanan, Pamalian, Panicupan from the municipality of Pikit; and Tapodoc from the municipality of Aleosan, both of North Cotabato.
Lastly, the municipality of Ligawasan will be composed of Barangays Bagoinged, Barungis, Bulol, Buliok, Gli-Gli, Kabasalan, and Rajamuda from the municipality of Pikit, North Cotabato.
A total of 89,594 registered voters are expected to cast their votes in the 189 clustered precincts located in 67 voting centers.
Casting of votes is set 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., to be followed by the counting of votes, canvassing of plebiscite returns, and proclamation of results of the plebiscite.
