Through the plebiscite set to be conducted in Maguindanao on Saturday, Sept. 17, residents will decide if the province should be divided in two, which could bring the total number of Philippine provinces from 81 to 82.
The local government of Maguindanao urged the residents to participate and cast their votes.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it is all set and ready for the event.
“We are ready, at lahat ng kinakailangang supplies and paraphernalia, nandoon na sa field, na-distribute na,” Comelec Commissioner in-charge for plebiscite Aimee Ferolino said.
The purpose of the plebiscite is to ratify the division plan in the province, making Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur.
A total of 800,000 registered voters are expected to cast their votes from 7:00 a.m until 3:00 p.m.
Ferolino assured voters of the visibility of enough law enforcement to ensure a safe and orderly election day.
“They are on top of the situation. Nagko-conduct ng regular security and threat assessment sa area, considering that Maguindanao is known for some untoward incidents in the previous elections,” she said.
If the “Yes Vote” prevails, each province will have its own political body, corporate, legislative districts, officers, as well as funds and facilities.
“The Comelec will do everything, that we will be in full control of the situation, and we will definitely ensure a walang untoward incident that will lead to a failure of election,” Comelec Chairperson Atty. George Garcia said. —Report from Mela Lesmoras/KC-ag
