The first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) were "generally peaceful," except for several incidents reported in Cotabato City and Maluso, Basilan, according to Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia.
In RH Jun Dimacutac's report on DZRH's Magandang Umaga Pilipinas, Garcia said voting proceeded peacefully in most areas of the region.
In Tawi-Tawi, the elections were generally peaceful, while some commotions were reported in Lanao del Sur but were immediately pacified.
The polls also proceeded peacefully in Maguindanao del Norte.
In Basilan, however, the town of Maluso was placed under Comelec control following the discovery of pre-shaded ballots in 36 polling precincts.
In Maguindanao del Sur, an armed encounter between government forces and armed groups lasted nearly three hours in the municipality of Sheriff Saidona Mustapha on Monday. An elderly resident was injured, but voting continued in the area.
The elections were generally peaceful in the municipalities of Datu Paglas, Buluan, Sherif Aguak, Guindulungan, Talayan, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Datu Anggal Midtimbang and other areas in Maguindanao del Sur.
Cotabato City, however, recorded several violent incidents that left four people dead and 19 others injured from the eve of the elections through Monday night.
Some voters who still wanted to cast their ballots were reportedly barred from entering polling areas following an explosion, particularly inside the Central Pilot School.
Two SUVs were also damaged by a group of men following a commotion outside the gate of Sero Central Elementary School.
Some voters also raised concerns during interviews over alleged bias on the part of the military and Philippine National Police personnel deployed during the elections.
At around 8 p.m. Monday, another explosion was reported at Balangay RH10 in Cotabato City. No casualties were recorded, but the incident caused fear among residents.
At around 9 p.m., indiscriminate firing was also reported in Barangay Lugay-Lugay in the Mother Kalanganan area of Cotabato City.
The first BARMM parliamentary elections were held on Monday, September 14, after being postponed four times.
