Comelec ready to accept petitions for inclusion in new Bangsamoro region

AREAS OUTSIDE the identified Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) that want to be included in the January plebiscite for the new Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) may now file a petition after the Commission on Elections released the guidelines on Monday. In a statement, the poll body said they have “issued rules and regulations governing the submission of petitions for voluntary inclusion in the January 21, 2019 plebiscite.” Local government units or registered voters within areas contiguous to the territorial jurisdiction of the BARMM can submit or initiate the petition. BARMM’s territorial jurisdiction consists of the provinces Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur, and Maguindanao; 39 barangays located in Cotobato province; Cotobato City; and Isabela City in Basilan. A P10,000 filing fee and P100 research fee are also required. Deadline for submission is Oct. 31. Comelec will deliberate on the petitions within a 15-day period upon submission. — Gillian M. Cortez