THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) sees no need for now to place any area in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) under its control, as the number of localities classified under the red category or hotspot fell to 26 from 27.
Comelec spokesman John Rex Laudiangco said that the poll body is aiming to further reduce the number of high-risk areas before the September 14 elections.
The classification takes into account factors such as the presence of armed groups, previous election-related incidents and the intensity of political rivalry in an area.
Despite having the authority to place an area under Comelec control, Laudiangco said the commission is not considering such a move at present.
‘That is not in our minds right now, and Comelec does not want to place any area under its control,’ he said.
More than 18,000 Comelec checkpoints are operating across BARMM, while additional government forces may be deployed from other regions if the situation requires it.
Laudiangco said additional security personnel should be enough to maintain peace and order without intimidating residents or making communities appear militarized.
‘The additional personnel should not cause fear or create stigma among our people in their respective communities, particularly in Datu Odin Sinsuat,’ he said.
Comelec has also sought updated security assessments from its field offices, the National Police and the Armed Forces following recent incidents in the region.
Among these was the ambush involving Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, which Laudiangco said the poll body continues to treat as an ‘isolated incident.’
Laudiangco said the broader security situation in BARMM remains generally peaceful despite the incident.
Comelec has maintained that the Sept. 14 elections will proceed as scheduled and that the latest violence has not prompted discussions on postponement.
‘This latest violence will not be a reason for us to stop preparations or start thinking about whether there should be a postponement,’ Laudiangco said.
‘Comelec’s position is clear: the elections on September 14, 2026 will push through,’ he added.