DAVAO CITY (January 21)– Thousands of forces from the military and the police were deployed in the plebiscite areas today for the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).
About 2.2 million registered voters are expected to cast ballots at 7,141 clustered precincts in 1,228 polling centers in the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, some towns in North Cotabato and in the cities of Cotabato and Isabela.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) said that a second vote will be held on Feb. 6 in Lanao del Norte (except Iligan City) and six towns in Cotabato that may want to join the BARMM. However, if the results of the plebiscite today indicate that majority decides not to ratify the BOL, there might be no need to hold the second vote.
Polls have opened today at 7AM and close at 3PM. The vote count begins immediately after the polls close. The canvassing will be done in Manila, from where the results will be proclaimed. – Jiann Padillo/ NewsLine
