Comelec explains the rationale for Marawi plebiscite amid surge of ‘bakwits’

The Commission on Elections in the Philippines is set to conduct plebiscites to create two new barangays, or villages, in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, in response to an increase in internally displaced persons after the 2017 siege. Marawi Mayor Majul Usman Gandamra said most of the IDPs are former residents of “ground zero,” or areas that were severely damaged during the siege. These IDPs are staying in temporary shelters that will now become permanent. The plebiscite will determine if voters agree with the creation of the two new barangays. Another plebiscite is scheduled in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan to create another barangay.