The opening of the first Bangsamoro parliamentary election was marred by deadly violence, explosions, shootings, and other security incidents that left several people dead and dozens wounded in Cotabato City and other parts of BARMM.
In Cotabato City, at least six people were killed in separate incidents, including an explosion and shootings near polling areas, while several others were injured.
The Comelec placed all 37 barangays in Cotabato City under its control and deployed additional police and military forces to secure polling stations.
Election-related problems were also reported in Basilan, where pre-shaded ballots were discovered, and in Al-Barka, where armed men initially prevented election workers from reaching polling centers.
Authorities also recovered and safely detonated an improvised explosive device in Lamitan City, while the Comelec and election watchdogs investigated alleged ballot tampering and unauthorized voting.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 15, 2026
