Cotabato city: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has officially placed Cotabato City and the town of Maluso in Basilan under its control following alarming reports of violence and election-related irregularities in these areas. According to Philippines News Agency, election materials in Maluso were compromised when poll officials discovered pre-shaded ballots in 36 out of 69 voting precincts, prompting the Comelec to intervene.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia, who is currently in Cotabato City, took decisive action by halting the use of the affected ballots and ordering their reprinting, which has inevitably delayed voting in the concerned precincts. This move aims to ensure the integrity of the election process in the region.

In Cotabato City, a series of violent incidents, including explosions and shootings, resulted in three fatalities and left over 20 individuals wounded before and during the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections. A shooting incident on Monday morning at the Cotabato City Central Pilot Elementary School polling precinct in Barangay Poblacion 6 heightened tensions, injuring three people, including a police officer from the Philippine National Police's Regional Mobile Force Battalion 13.

The police have reported that several men opened fire at individuals near the polling site, causing chaos and fear among voters. Personnel from the police's Quick Reaction Force swiftly responded to the scene, securing the area and ensuring that the wounded were rushed to the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center for treatment.

Col. Jibin Bongcayao, the city police director, has stated that the suspects' primary motive was to instill fear among the voters, further complicating the election process. As authorities work to restore order and security, the situation remains tense, highlighting the urgent need for increased vigilance and intervention in the affected areas.