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Bangsamoro law plebiscite to be held on two separate days —Comelec


The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday announced that the plebiscite for the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) will be conducted on two separate days next year — January 21 and February 6.

In a statement, the Comelec said this will "allow time for the full resolution of petitions for voluntary inclusion in the plebiscite."

Comelec had initially set the plebiscite for January 21, 2019.

For the geographical areas comprising the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), as well as Isabela City in Basilan, and Cotabato City, the plebiscite will push through as originally scheduled.

For the province of Lanao del Norte, except Iligan City; the municipalities of Aleosan, Carmen, Kabacan, Midsayap, Pikit, and Pigkawayan in the province of North Cotabato; and all other areas contiguous to any of the Bangsamoro core areas where: (a) the local government of such area, by way of a resolution, asked for inclusion in the plebiscite; or (b) at least 10% of the registered voters in a local government unit, by way of a petition, asked for inclusion in the plebiscite, the plebiscite will be held on February 6, 2019.

The Comelec said there are currently 99 pending Petitions for Inclusion in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The BOL aims to end decades of conflict in Mindanao by creating a political entity that would enjoy greater autonomy than the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

It outlines the process to set up a self-administered territory encompassing mountains, islands and jungles that is home to at least 4 million people, mostly Muslim. —Jessica Bartolome/KBK, GMA News

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