Comelec disqualifies MILF candidate in Maguindanao del Sur ahead of BARMM elections

COTABATO, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has officially canceled the certificate of candidacy (COC) of Anwar Salipada Alamada, an aspirant for the 5th District of Maguindanao del Sur under the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) for the September Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections.

UBJP is the political wing of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The Comelec 2nd Division granted the petition filed by Rafsanjani Pendatun Ali, a rival candidate running under the Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP). Pendatun had accused Alamada of not being a resident of the district where he intended to run.

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 will be 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 MILF Ad Hoc Joint Action Group and is a certifying officer for former MILF members applying for amnesty.

He has not yet given a statement after the Comelec decision.

The historic parliamentary elections for the BARMM are scheduled to take place on September 14. This 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. – Rappler.com