THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has placed 12 municipalities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) under the “red” category with only a month before the October 2025 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE).
Under the Comelec classification, the “red” category is the highest of the four categories for election areas of concern.
In an interview, Comelec chairman George Garcia said the following are under close security watch: Masiu, Lumba-Bayabao, Poona Bayabao, Tamparan, Taraka, and Mulondo in Lanao del Sur; Paglat, Pandag, Buluan, Datu Paglas, and Mangudadatu in Maguindanao del Sur; and the town of Al-Barka in Basilan.
Garcia said the poll body has yet to determine any area that needs to be placed under Comelec control.
Despite placing 12 areas under the red category, Garcia said the security situation in BARMM is “generally peaceful”.
“So far, the peace and order situation in the Bangsamoro is generally peaceful to this day,” he said.
The Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections is set to be held on October 13.
