The filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has opened peacefully.

In Lanao del Sur, the COC filing is being supervised by Commission on Elections-BARMM director, Atty. Ray Sumalipao.

The three-day filing period for district representatives and party members will run until May 7,

Sumalipao said the elections will cover 32 districts across the region, including the reallocated areas from Sulu.

“Sa buong BARMM we have 32 districts kasi supposedly yung for Sulu na i-distribute na sa ibang probinsya,” Sumalipao said.

Among the first to file were candidates of the SIAP Party, led by Lanao del Sur Vice Governor Mohammad Khalid Adiong, who also serves as party president.

Adiong said their group is endorsing the Bangsamoro Grand Coalition.

“Ako as party president ang ini-endorse naming ang BGC Bangsamoro Grand Coalition,” Adiong said.

Security will remain tight around the Lanao del Sur Provincial Capitol, where the filing is being conducted.

COMELEC-BARMM is hopeful that no disruptions will hinder the elections scheduled for September 4, 2026.

“Anybody who will be barring the conduct of the election nakakahiya for them because they have been interrupting the conduct of the election,” Sumalipao said.