The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) conducted a mock election in Butig, Lanao del Sur on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in preparation for the first parliamentary polls in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in October.

COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia led the dry run at Butig National High School, where several residents arrived to participate.

“Ang number one konsiderasyon makakaboto ba ang lahat ng botante, pangalawa makaboto ba sila ng hindi tinatakot, hindi pinipwersa o walang violence against them. Dapat sinisigurado ng COMELEC yan,” Garcia said.

The ballot that will be used during the parliamentary election will be unique as photos of candidates are also printed there to aid voters in making choices.

“Hindi malilito ang mga botante tama din ang kanilang magiging pili kasi minsan nalilito sila lalo na kaparehas na pangalan at hindi na deklarang nuisance candidate,” Garcia added.

The inclusion of images is also expected to guide senior citizens and voters with reading difficulties, making it easier for them to recognize their preferred candidates.

“Mas madali makita ko ma identify sa gilid may picture at yung mga pangalan,” a voter, Tyronesa Usman, said.

According to the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), the mock election was smooth and orderly, and they are hopeful that it will be the same situation in the actual elections.