Multiple registrants in ARMM warned

COTABATO CITY — More than 5,000 voters with multiple registrations in different towns in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will be penalized if they vote during the Aug. 8 regional elections, Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Benjamin Abalos said yesterday.

"We have identified these voters and they will not be allowed to cast their votes during the regional elections. They will be penalized if they show up in polling precincts," he said in an interview with Catholic radio station dxMS here.

Abalos said these voters were found to have multiple registrations in neighboring towns in the ARMM, which covers Marawi City and the geographically scattered provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Basilan.

Ten political leaders are vying for the ARMM’s gubernatorial post.

"There is no more postponement of the regional elections. It will be held as scheduled," Abalos said when asked to comment on efforts by certain groups to have the regional polls deferred anew.

Abalos said the Comelec is now focusing on security preparations to ensure peaceful, honest and orderly elections in the region.

The ARMM’s charter, Republic Act 9054, only provides for a three-year term for regional officials.