MANILA - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has set a plebiscite on September 17 to determine whether Maguindanao will be divided into two separate provinces. Comelec Resolution No. 10797 dated June 22 and made public on Friday also set the activities prior to the holding of the plebiscite which will create Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur. The issuance of the resolution was in accordance with Republic Act 11550 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in May last year, which provides for the division of the Mindanao province into two areas. Aside from the plebiscite date, the Comelec also set the information and campaign period which will be from August 16 to September 15 including the holding of barangay assemblies, fora, or "pulong pulongs". The plebiscite period will also begin on August 16 and will run until September 24. Among the prohibited activities during this period are alteration of the territory of a precinct or establishment of a new precinct; bearing
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