BARMM holds first parliamentary polls in shadow of violence
The first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro region of the Philippines were marred by multiple violent incidents, including explosions and shootings. Several people were killed and dozens wounded in Cotabato City as authorities worked to secure polling stations.
Why it matters
The violence threatens the stability of the newly formed autonomous region and the integrity of its first democratic transition.
MANILA, Philippines - A string of deadly election-related incidents marred the opening of the first Bangsamoro parliamentary election yesterday, leaving several people dead and dozens wounded in Cotabato City.
The violence began at around 8 p.m. Sunday, when an explosion in a residential area in Purok Amirol, Barangay Kalanganan killed Zainodin Sapal Macabuat.
Police said Macabuat was waiting for a construction foreman when he saw a bright white light and heard an explosion. Shrapnel hit his torso that later led to his death.
At about 11:40 p.m., hours before voting opened, gunmen attacked people gathered near the Datu Usman Mampen Elementary School in Barangay Bagua 2.
Three men - Caril Abdul Lumidsog, his brother Bain Abdul Lumidsog and Idar Kasan Andog - were killed while 15 others were wounded, according to Capt. Steffie Salanguit, spokesperson for the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro.
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