MANILA — The Commission on Elections has implemented tighter security in Cotabato City to ensure peace and order during the filing of certificates of candidacy.

The COC filing for the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections is from November 4 to 9, while the rest of the country will have its filing period from October 1 to 8. Comelec earlier said there are nearly 2 million voters in the Bangsamoro region.

READ: Comelec moves COC filing in BARMM to November after SC ruling on Sulu

Cotabato City's election officers and its police director reiterated that safety remains a priority during the COC filing period.

"Lahat po ng kayang humanly possible [security measures] na pwedeng gawing preparation ay ginagawa na namin—just to make sure na maging peaceful and orderly filing of COC and even up to the election day," Maguindanao del Norte Election City Officer Mohamad Nabil Mutia said in a Friday news release by the Bangsamoro Information Office.

"Napagkaisahan po nating ma-implement ang mga security measures for the safety of the aspiring candidates, employees, and the perimeter of the BGC, and secure the venue where candidates file their COC," he added.

TRAFFIC SCHEME, OTHER RULES

The local Comelec office also issued guidelines for the COC filing period.

Police Col.l Joel Estaris, Cotabato City police chief, said they will implement a traffic re-routing scheme since Gov. Gutierrez Avenue in Cotabato City will be closed to public transportation during the COC filing period.

Comelec said aspirants for Cotabato City will file their COC at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex, while those vying for positions in Maguindanao del Norte will hand in their COC at the Office of the Provincial Election Supervisor.

Both venues are inside the Bangsamoro Government Center.

The poll body said only one vehicle for each aspirant will be allowed to enter the Bangsamoro Government Center.

Supporters of the aspirant are not permitted entry and they are also not allowed to cheer, shout, and conduct other noisy activities.

Carrying firearms inside the Bangsamoro Government Center is strictly prohibited.

Curfew hours from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. will also be imposed in the Bangsamoro Government Center during the COC filing period.

Aspirants in Cotabato City will vie for the positions of mayor, vice mayor and city councilors. Those seeking posts in Maguindanao del Norte are for the positions of governor, vice governor and members of the House of Representatives.

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