Maguindanao now split into 2 provinces

MANILA, Philippines — Logging a record high number of votes, residents of Maguindanao voted to divide the province into two Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur – during a plebiscite conducted on Saturday, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced yesterday.

Aside from the high number of votes, the voter turnout in the Maguindanao plebiscite became the second highest in the country’s history, according to Comelec spokesman Rex Laudiangco.

Of the 881,790 registered voters, 712,857 or 80.84 percent went out to vote.

“The Maguindanao plebiscite has the second highest voter turnout for province-wide plebiscites, next to a similar activity conducted in Davao del Norte in 1998, which created Compostela Valley,” Laudiangco said.

The Compostela Valley plebiscite recorded a voter turnout of 89.73 percent.

“But in terms of the total number of registered voters and total number of voters who actually voted, this is the most participated plebiscite,” Laudiangco said.

He said the number of registered voters in the Compostela Valley plebiscite was only a little over 200,000.

Based on the official results released by the Plebiscite Provincial Board of Canvassers, the “yes” votes or those in favor of splitting Maguindanao were 707,651 or 99.27 percent.

Only 5,206 residents or 0.73 percent voted against the division of the province.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia attributed the record high voter turnout to high public confidence.

“People are not afraid to cast their votes. They trust the process so much,” Garcia said.

The Comelec cited the Department of Education, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines and the local government units for the high voter turnout as well as the peaceful and orderly conduct of the plebiscite.

With the results, Maguindanao del Norte will be composed of the towns of Barira, Buldon, Datu Blah Sinsuat, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Kabuntalan, Matanog, Northern Kabuntalan, Parang, North Upi, Sultan Kudarat, Sultan Mastura and Talitay.

Maguindanao del Sur will include Ampatuan, Buluan, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, Datu Montawal, Datu Paglas, Datu Piang, Datu Salibo, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Unsay, Gen. Salipada K. Pendatun, Guindulungan, Mamasapano, Mangudadatu, Pagalungan, Paglat, Pandag, Rajah Buayan, Shariff Aguak, Shariff Saydona Mustafa, Sultan sa Barongis, Talayan and South Upi.

The provincial government said it may take a while for the division to take effect as officials have to deliberate on the funding for the two provinces. – John Unson