Cotabato city: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is planning to enlist the assistance of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for the upcoming Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections (BPE). Comelec Chairperson George Garcia revealed that the PCG personnel might be deployed during the October 13 polls to support the electoral process.

According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec is preparing to train PCG personnel to serve as members of the Electoral Board (EB) if there are instances where teachers, who traditionally serve in this capacity, are unavailable. Chairperson Garcia stated, "We are preparing 1,000 members of the Philippine Coast Guard. We will no longer tap the members of the Philippine National Police, as we would like the PNP to focus on maintaining peace in the area."

Garcia further explained that the PCG personnel would replace teachers on the Electoral Board if necessary, emphasizing the importance of their role in ensuring a smooth election process. The training of these personnel will commence alongside the preparation of the EB members. He also noted the requirement of approximately 9,000 EB members for the BPE, with around 3,000 precincts needing three EB members each.

In tandem with these preparations, Comelec is set to initiate a voters' education campaign for the BPE. The project, named 'Botong Bangsamoro,' will be launched on Wednesday at the Ebrahim Hall, KDT Manor Hotel in Cotabato City. The event, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, will feature Comelec officials, BARMM representatives, and the signing of the Botong Bangsamoro 2025 Commitment Wall by all attendees.