New peace deal to calm ARMM tensions: Comelec

MANILA, Philippines – Commission on Elections Chairman Sixto Brillantes believes the new frame work agreement for the Bangsamoro will help ease tensions in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) during the May 2013 midterm elections.

Brillantes expects the ARMM to be a mere area of concern instead of a hotspot during the polls. He said warring political clans in the area have been reconciling among themselves.

The Comelec chief said there are still a few remaining private armies in the region. He also said the poll body has cleansed the voters’ list.

Brillantes said the agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on the Bangsamoro won’t have a bearing yet on the 2013 elections since it will still require legislation. He believes a plebiscite may be called in 2014 to coincide with the barangay elections.