Cotabato city: Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento on Monday condemned the violent incident in Cotabato City Sunday night that killed three persons and wounded 15 others. The event happened on the eve of the first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections.

According to Philippines News Agency, Sarmiento expressed deep sympathies to the families of the victims and emphasized that violence has no place in this significant milestone for the region. He called on law enforcement authorities to swiftly investigate and hold those responsible for the attack accountable. Despite the incident, Sarmiento reassured that this act will not deter the Bangsamoro people from exercising their right to vote.

"OPAPRU remains steadfast in supporting Comelec (Commission on Elections), our security forces, and our peace partners to ensure that the will of the people prevails peacefully," Sarmiento stated.

In a related development, the Philippine Army (PA) on Monday emphasized its commitment to ensuring that the BARMM elections are conducted in a peaceful, orderly, and secure environment. Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala urged voters, candidates, supporters, and stakeholders to remain calm, exercise restraint, and reject any form of violence or provocation. He assured that the PA, along with other security partners, is vigilant and ready to respond to threats and protect the voters.

Meanwhile, Sarmiento encouraged Bangsamoro voters to exercise their right to choose their leaders without intimidation. He urged the public to report any electoral violations to security forces for swift action and emphasized the importance of documenting incidents to preserve evidence for legal proceedings.

The peace adviser highlighted the agency's commitment to monitoring formal complaints and cases filed with the Commission on Elections to ensure accountability. He called for sobriety, calm, and maturity among political parties, candidates, and supporters, reminding them that this democratic exercise is crucial for the Bangsamoro peace process.

"Let us bring the Political Track of the Comprehensive Agreement of the Bangsamoro to a successful conclusion. Let the people's voices be heard, let their votes count, and let them freely choose the leaders who will shape the future of the Bangsamoro," Sarmiento added.