Civil society groups in Lanao del Sur are urging authorities to prevent the militarization of voting centers ahead of the Bangsamoro’s first parliamentary election on September 14.
This as the United Coalition of Civic Organizations, Ulama, Professionals and Youth of Lanao del Sur called for immediate action to ensure that voting centers remain civilian, accessible and peaceful, citing reports of barricades and controlled access points around polling sites.
In an open letter to Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, the coalition sought urgent intervention over the reported construction of barriers around voting centers across the province.
The coalition said it received reports of construction in nearly all of Lanao del Sur’s 40 local government areas – 39 municipalities and Marawi City – with some barriers allegedly including barbed wire.
“These reports require immediate independent verification,” the coalition said.
The group also raised concern over the scale of the military deployment in the province by noting that the Philippine Army has confirmed the presence of 10 infantry battalions in Lanao del Sur, supported by armor and field artillery units.
The coalition also cited reports that the 103rd Infantry Brigade had previously proposed perimeter fencing and a one-entry, one-exit system as part of voting-center security arrangements.
Coalition spokesperson Johary D. Ayo asked Brig. Gen. Jessie Montoya of the 103rd Infantry Brigade and Brig. Gen. Yasser Bara of the 101st Infantry Brigade to clarify whether they were aware of the reported construction and what authority or security protocol was being followed.
“We respectfully ask Brig. Gen. Jessie Montoya of the 103rd Infantry Brigade and Brig. Gen. Yasser Bara of the 101st Infantry Brigade whether these constructions are being undertaken with their knowledge, and what COMELEC resolution, written authority or security protocol is being followed,” Ayo said.
“This is not an accusation. We are asking for transparency and compliance,” Ayo added.
Ayo also called on Commission on Elections Chairman George Garcia to clarify whether the poll body had authorized Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel to erect, man or control the reported barriers.
The coalition said COMELEC rules protect voters’ access to polling places and regulate the presence of armed personnel near voting centers.
“Barricades that obstruct voters have no room in a democratic election. We need security, but we must not militarize the Bangsamoro vote,” Ayo said.
The coalition also appealed to domestic and international election observers to send representatives to Lanao del Sur, inspect voting centers, document access arrangements and independently verify conditions before election day.
“This is the Bangsamoro’s historic first parliamentary election. Democracy must be seen, felt and protected on the ground,” the coalition said.
The coalition includes Rawaten Inc., Bae Mediators, Bantey Basilan Inc., AL-Hidaya Inc., Pagkaka Women’s Organization Inc., Ompongan Youth Organization.#