MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday called for calm, peace, and transparency amid reports of violence and other irregularities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
“The first election in BARMM is a historic step toward self-governance, peace and inclusive development for the Bangsamoro,” Duterte said in Filipino in a statement.
“We call upon all candidates, parties, and stakeholders to uphold a peaceful, credible, and transparent electoral process,” she added.
The vice president’s remarks came following reports that three people were killed while 15 others were injured in a shooting outside a school in Cotabato City on the eve of the polls. The Commission on Elections has placed the city under its control.
Authorities also reported other election-related incidents, including an explosion near a polling station and alleged pre-shading of ballots in Basilan.
“We encourage the citizens of the BARMM to exercise their right to vote responsibly and to choose leaders who will genuinely serve the cause of good governance and the welfare of the Bangsamoro,” Duterte said. “May this election further strengthen democracy, peace, and unity in the region.”
The first BARMM parliamentary election marks a historic step in the region’s transition to self-government.
Nearly 2.4 million registered voters will elect 80 members of parliament, which will later select the region’s chief minister.
