Cotabato city: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has extended the voting period by two hours in Al-Barka, Basilan, during the first-ever parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). This decision was prompted by incidents involving the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and other partisan groups.

According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia announced that the poll body en banc approved the extension of voting in Al-Barka until 9 p.m. from the original 7 p.m. deadline. The extension was necessary due to tensions involving certain groups of MILF fighters and commanders, which prevented teachers from immediately entering the area and securing essential materials, including ballots.

Meanwhile, Garcia reported that reprinted ballots for the municipality of Maluso in Basilan are en route after being printed at the National Printing Office in Quezon City. Previously, 16,563 official ballots across 36 polling precincts were found pre-shaded, necessitating their reprinting.

The winners of the elections are allowed to bring only four companions each during the proclamation. Commissioner Aimee Ferolino, chairperson of the Gun Ban and Security Concerns Committee, announced that candidates must submit the names of their guests, vehicle plate numbers, and driver details to the Bangsamoro Electoral Office via email, ensuring compliance with security protocols. Firearms are strictly prohibited at the proclamation venue, with any brought items to be deposited as per security guidelines.

Garcia stated that the elections were generally peaceful, although there were incidents involving explosions and shootings in Cotabato City, resulting in four fatalities. He expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and condemned the violence. The Commission has placed Cotabato City and Maluso under its control amid these incidents.

Despite these challenges, Garcia remains optimistic about achieving an 80 percent voter turnout. He cited the determination of voters, who braved the heat and unrest to cast their votes, as a testament to their commitment to the electoral process. BARMM has a total of 2,393,202 registered voters.