COMELEC disqualifies MILF bet in Maguindanao del Sur ahead of BARMM polls

COTABATO CITY – The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has cancelled the Certificate of Candidacy (COC) of Anwar Salipada Alamada for the upcoming 2026 Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections.

Alamada is an aspirant for the 5th District Representative of Maguindanao del Sur under the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), the political wing of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The COMELEC Second Division granted the petition filed by Rafsanjani Pendatun Ali, a rival candidate running under the Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP). Pendatun accused Alamada of not being a resident of the district where he intended to run.

Alamada's lawyer, Badrodin Mangindra, said his client's candidacy will push ahead, saying they will appeal the case up to the Supreme Court.

"Tuloy po ang candidacy ni 'Young Fighter' Anwar Alamada. 'Wag po muna kayo mag celebrate. Meron pa tayong Motion for Reconsideration sa Comelec En Banc, at aabot pa po tayo sa Supreme Court via Rule 64," Mangindra said.

"Tuloy po si Young Fighter. #1 po siya sa balota,": he added.

In a resolution released by the COMELEC, the poll body ruled that Alamada committed "false material representation" in his COC, leading to the cancellation of his bid for the parliamentary seat.

With this ruling, Alamada is removed from the roster of candidates for the district as the region approaches its first parliamentary elections. This decision comes as the sample digital ballots have been released and are currently available for public viewing on the COMELEC's official social media pages.

Alamada serves as the chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) and is a certifying officer for former MILF members applying for amnesty.

The historic parliamentary elections for the BARMM are scheduled to take place on September 14, 2026.

The election marks a pivotal moment in the region's transition following four previous postponements, with the newly elected members of Parliament expected to assume their duties on October 30, 2026, serving a term that will conclude in June 2031. —LDF, GMA News