Manila, Aug. 19 -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is monitoring the recent developments in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as the Oct. 13 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE) draw near.

According to Comelec Chairperson George Garcia, they are particularly looking at the decision of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) barring its members from participating in decommissioning activities in connection with the scheduled polls.

"We are closely monitoring the situation," he said in a telephone interview on Tuesday.

When asked how the order may affect the conduct of the polls, the Comelec head cited possible security issues.

"It could affect the implementation of the gun ban," said Garcia.

Howe...