MANILA, Philippines — Political parties participating in the first ever parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (Barmm) on Monday were told to uphold peace and ensure that the right to vote is respected following several reports of violence during the polling.
READ: BARMM chief condemns violence before, during elections
Among those who reminded parties and stakeholders was Vice President Sara Duterte, noting that the Barmm elections symbolize a historic step for the region towards self-governance, peace and inclusive development.
“Panawagan natin sa lahat ng kandidato, partido, at stakeholder na panatilihin ang isang mapayapa, maaasahan, at transparent na proseso ng halalan,” Duterte said in a statement.
(We call on all candidates, parties, and stakeholders to maintain a peaceful, reliable, and transparent election process.)
“Hinihikayat namin ang mga mamamayan ng Barmm na gamitin nang responsable ang kanilang karapatang bumoto at pumili ng mga lider na tunay na maglilingkod para sa mabuting pamamahala at kapakanan ng Bangsamoro,” she added.
(We encourage the people of Barmm to responsibly exercise their right to vote and elect leaders who will truly serve for the good governance and welfare of the Bangsamoro.)
Katungod Bangsamoro, a consortium of civil society organizations also appealed to political parties to do the same, especially after reports of violence in Cotabato City.
“The heightened militarized presence in the area risks sparking further violence that could frustrate the will of the peoples of the Bangsamoro,” Katungod Bangsamoro Co-Convener Carlos Isagani Zarate said in a separate statement.
“We urge party leaders to act with restraint and responsibility, and to remind their followers that [it is] not senseless violence and bloodshed [that] must decide the future of the region,” he added.
He likewise reminded parties that the elections marked a “historic first” for Barmm, hence it should not be undermined by intimidation, force or fear.
“We call on all stakeholders to protect the integrity of the process and to ensure that the voices of the people are heard and respected,” Zarate said.
Three people were killed during a shooting incident in front of a voting center in Barangay Bagua 2, Cotabato City on Sunday evening, while 15 others were injured.
READ: 3 killed, 15 wounded in shooting near polling center in Cotabato City
Two separate explosions were also reported in the same city the same night, injuring at least one individual.
READ: 4 wounded in shooting incident inside Cotabato City polling center
Meanwhile, four people, including a police officer, were wounded in a shooting incident inside Central Pilot Elementary School along Sinsuat Avenue in Poblacion 6, Cotabato City right before regular voting hours started on Monday morning. /jpv
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