Tight security measures are in place in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, as voters participate in the first BARMM Parliamentary Elections on Monday, September 14, 2026. Hernel TocmoMANILA — More than 15 people were involved in the alleged pre-shading of ballots during the parliamentary poll in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said on Wednesday.
Comelec chairman George Garcia said those proven to be liable for the pre-shading of about 16,000 ballots in Maluso, Basilan would face a non-bailable electoral sabotage case.
The commission has issued subpoenas to 16 individuals, including its provincial election supervisor and Maluso’s election officer, treasurer, and local chief executive. Comelec is awaiting the submission of all responses.
“‘Yung in-issue-han namin ng subpoena, hindi nangangahulugan na sila ay guilty o sila’y pinagbibintangan. Gusto lang namin alamin ano ang version nila, may nalaman ba sila tungkol diyan, meron bang nakakuha ng attention nila?” Garcia said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum.
“Hindi isang tao lang ang gagawa na i-tamper mo ang 16,000 more or less na balota. Mga mahigit 15 na tao ang gumawa nu’n,” he said.
The Comelec is eyeing to resolve the issue before the filing of candidacy for the next elections.
Comelec says those behind pre-shaded BARMM ballots will face charges
Following the incident, the poll body is seeking to gain custody of the ballots in the next elections. Under the law, the city or municipal treasurer handles the ballots.
“Kung nasa amin ‘yung lahat ng gamit, bakit hindi naman maipagkatiwala sa’min ang balota?” Garcia said.
“Dapat talaga na kay Comelec kasi kami sinisigurado namin na ‘yung gamit nasa bawat presinto, nasa bawat guro dahil otherwise, baka hindi magkakaroon ng halalan sa presinto na ‘yan,” he added.
The chairman said a draft proposal would be submitted to the Committee on Electoral Reforms.
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