Photo courtesy of Maguindanao del Sur PPO.
Authorities in Maguindanao del Sur stepped up preparations for the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COC) ahead of the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections, scheduled later this year, officials said.
Police and election officials held a coordination meeting in Cotabato City to finalize security measures for the filing period set from May 5 to 7.
Maguindanao del Sur police director Colonel Michael John Mangahis met with provincial election director Allan Kadon to align protocols for securing election-related activities.
Both offices agreed on coordinated deployment plans, including safeguards for election personnel, materials, and designated filing centers.
Authorities also discussed the deployment of additional security forces from nearby areas to reinforce peacekeeping efforts during the filing period.
Mangahis said security preparations were already in place across municipalities, including checkpoints, patrols, and visibility operations to deter possible threats.
He said police and military personnel would be stationed at Commission on Elections (Comelec) offices and key access points to ensure orderly filing of candidacies.
Officials urged political aspirants to follow established procedures, stressing that compliance would help prevent tensions and maintain peace during the election process.