Around 97.38% voting status was recorded in monitored areas during the first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Monday, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

In a statement, the PNP described the voting as “generally peaceful and orderly.”

“Voting has started in the majority of monitored locations across Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Sur, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao del Norte, and the Special Geographic Area,” PNP chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.

Four areas—Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Sur, Tawi-Tawi, and the Special Geographic Area—recorded a 100% start status, the PNP added.

In Basilan, voting had started in 165 of 189 monitored locations, or 87.30%, while Maguindanao del Norte recorded voting in 264 of 271 locations, or 97.42%.

The PNP said it continues to closely monitor developments on the ground and maintain police presence in and around voting centers.

Police personnel are also coordinating with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and other concerned agencies to address security concerns and help ensure that voters can cast their ballots safely and peacefully.

The PNP urged voters and other stakeholders to “remain calm, observe election rules, and respect the right of every voter to participate in the electoral process.”