Comelec Encourages Nationwide Registration for Barmm Residents Ahead of 2026 BSKE
As the voter registration period for the November 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) commences in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm), the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is actively promoting its Register Anywhere Program (RAP) to residents currently based in other regions. This initiative aims to simplify the registration process for those who wish to vote in their hometowns without the need to travel back.
Streamlined Registration Process
In a recent television interview, Comelec spokesman John Rex Laudiangco emphasized that Barmm natives now have a convenient solution to register as voters. "If you are here in Quezon City, studying, working, temporarily residing, but still want to be a voter in Barmm, don't worry, just register here with RAP and we will take care of bringing your data to Barmm," Laudiangco stated. This program marks a significant departure from the previous requirement that individuals had to return to their home provinces or towns to complete voter registration.
Laudiangco explained the old system: "Under the previous process, you had to return to your barangay, your village, your town just to register if you wanted to be a voter in the place, where you were born or where you really live." RAP activities are now available in all capital cities and municipalities, highly urbanized cities, and special designated sites, making registration more accessible than ever before.
Registration Statistics and Regional Breakdown
The voter registration period in Barmm officially opened on February 9, 2026, and has already attracted significant interest. According to data released by Comelec, as of February 14, 2026, there are 9,636 registered voters in the region. Laudiangco noted, "Barmm warmly welcomed the resumption of the voter registration, which was opened last February 9."
A detailed breakdown of applicants by area shows Maguindanao del Norte leading with 2,819 registrants, followed by Maguindanao del Sur with 1,768, and Lanao del Sur with 1,433. Other regions reported the following numbers:
- Basilan: 1,325 applicants
- Special Geographic Area: 1,175 applicants
- Tawi-Tawi: 1,116 applicants
Registration Details and Deadlines
Voter registration activities in Barmm are conducted from Mondays to Saturdays, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., at all Offices of Election Officers (OEOs) or designated satellite registration centers. This period will continue until March 31, 2026, providing ample time for residents to participate. The Comelec's efforts through RAP are designed to ensure that every eligible voter in Barmm can exercise their right to vote in the upcoming BSKE, regardless of their current location.
