Security concerns have prompted 839 teachers to withdraw from their election duties across the Bangsamoro region, just hours before voters cast their ballots today in the historic first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections.
COTABATO CITY, Philippines — More than 800 public school teachers have withdrawn from their duties as members of Electoral Boards for the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections, citing various concerns ahead of today’s election, September 14, 2026. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) said 839 teachers in the Bangsamoro region have reportedly backed out of their assigned election duties, particularly in polling areas where security concerns remain.
ADSCOMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia, according to Catholic radio station DXMS in Cotabato City, confirmed that the teachers who withdrew were from Lanao del Sur, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao del Sur, the Bangsamoro Special Geographic Area (SGA), and Cotabato City.
The teachers gave different reasons for their decision to withdraw. COMELEC said they would not face prosecution for stepping down, although election officials had earlier asked them to give enough notice so replacements could be prepared before election day. The withdrawals have raised concerns because teachers play an important role in Philippine elections, especially as members of Electoral Boards who oversee voting at polling places.
Despite the number of teachers who have withdrawn, COMELEC said preparations for the historic election remain on track. Authorities have also prepared other personnel to fill the vacant positions and help ensure that voting continues in affected areas.
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In places where additional personnel are needed, police officers may serve as Special Electoral Boards, according to COMELEC. DXMS also reported that 137 teachers from different schools in Cotabato City had asked election officials to excuse them from their election assignments.
The first BARMM Parliamentary Elections are important because voters will elect members of the 80-seat Bangsamoro Parliament, which will serve as the region’s first regular parliamentary government under the current Bangsamoro political system.
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) covers Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi, as well as the cities of Lamitan, Marawi and Cotabato. Cotabato City serves as the seat of the regional government.
The Bangsamoro Special Geographic Area consists of eight municipalities formed from 63 former barangays of Cotabato province that voted to join BARMM.
Security has been one of the major concerns surrounding the elections. Some communities in Maguindanao del Sur and Lanao del Sur have experienced armed conflict, clan disputes and other security problems involving armed groups. Some of these areas are also home to communities associated with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Long-running clan conflicts have also added to tensions in several communities.
Authorities are particularly concerned about the possibility of armed groups and political interests becoming involved in disputes surrounding candidates seeking seats in the Bangsamoro Parliament. Despite these challenges, security officials have assured voters, teachers and election personnel that they are prepared to protect polling places and maintain peace during the elections.
Maj. Gen. Jose Vladimir Cagara, acting commander of the military’s Western Mindanao Command; Brig. Gen. Ricky Bunayog, acting commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division; and Police Brig. Gen. Christopher Abecia, director of the Police Regional Office-BARMM, have separately assured the public that their forces are ready to secure polling stations across the region.
ADSThe withdrawal of hundreds of teachers highlights the security challenges surrounding the first BARMM parliamentary elections. However, election authorities and security forces say contingency measures are in place to prevent the shortage of Electoral Board members from disrupting the voting process.
For voters across BARMM, the focus now shifts to a peaceful and orderly election as the region takes part in a historic vote that will determine the members of its first regular Bangsamoro Parliament.
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