OPAPRU urges BARMM voters not to be intimidated by election violence

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) has called on voters in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to be brave and cast their votes despite the recent violent incidents during the first parliamentary elections.

In a statement on Monday, Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento urged voters to "not be intimidated, to stand firm, and to go out and vote."

"We must never allow violence or fear to silence our democratic rights. Every ballot cast represents the collective voice, hope, and determination of the Bangsamoro people," Sarmiento said.

He added that voters should remain in polling centers until they cast their votes, as voting hours will be until 7 p.m., while voting hours will be until 9 p.m. in Al-Barka.

"Under Commission on Elections (Comelec) rules, all voters who are already inside the polling precincts or within the voting premises by 7:00 p.m. will still be permitted to cast their votes. Do not step out of line; stay and make your voice heard," Sarmiento said.

BARMM is holding its first parliamentary elections on Monday, September 14, with 2.393 million registered voters.

OPAPRU condemned the irregularities during the Bangsamoro elections and urged the public to report any electoral violations for it to be addressed.

"We will closely monitor all formal complaints and cases filed before COMELEC to ensure that those responsible for electoral offenses and illicit acts are held accountable under the law," Sarmiento said.

He also reminded political parties, candidates, and their supporters to engage in calm and mature elections.

"We must remember that this democratic exercise is an integral pillar of the Bangsamoro peace process. Protecting your ballot means protecting the hard-won peace and the future of the Bangsamoro," Sarmiento said.

"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," he added.

Based on Comelec's latest count, there were four fatalities and 19 injured persons in election-related incidents in BARMM.

Three of those who died were at a shootout at Datu Usman Mampen school site in Barangay Bagua 2, Cotabato City

The same incident also resulted in 15 wounded individuals.

One person died, and three others were wounded after violence erupted at the Pilot Central Elementary School in Cotabato City, as supporters of rival parties traded accusations of election violence.

Another person was injured after the improvised explosive device he was carrying exploded.

According to the Comelec, the transmission of partial and unofficial results of the BARMM polls would begin after the closing of polls at 7 p.m. and the printing of the first nine copies of the election returns. —LDF, GMA News