Voting hours were extended in Al-Barka, Basilan until 9 p.m. and Maluso in Basilan may extend until Tuesday after ballots were allegedly found pre-shaded and replacement materials had to be sent from Manila, while Cotabato City’s second district is under negotiation for a possible extension following disturbances.
Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Presidential Assistant and Undersecretary Noel Baraceros explained the details in an interview on DZRH News program The Situation Report on Monday, September 14, describing the specific areas where election day disruptions required COMELEC to consider extending the voting period.
The presidential assistant said the situation in Al-Barka was resolved through coordinated escort operations involving the AFP, PNP, and the Joint Peace and Security Teams, a composite force that includes MILF representatives alongside military and police personnel.
“Doon sa mga nangyari naman po, kagaya po sa Maluso sa probinsya ng Basilan, pati doon po sa Al-Barka, nagawan po natin agad ng paraan in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and ang ating tinatawag na Joint Peace and Security Teams,” Baraceros said.
“Ito po ang composite na magkakasama po ang ating mga kasamahan sa MILF, sa AFP, at sa PNP, na i-escort-an na po nila para makarating po on time ang mga paraphernalia, balota, at mai-escort-an po ang ating mga watchers and pati ang mga teachers po doon,” he said.
Baraceros then laid out the status of each affected area: Al-Barka extended until 9 PM, Maluso potentially extended until tomorrow pending the arrival of replacement ballots from Manila, and Cotabato City’s District 2 still being negotiated.
“Nagkaroon na po ng deklarasyon ng extension sa mga areas. Kagaya po sa Al-Barka, i-extend po hanggang alas-nuwebe ng gabi ngayon ang eleksyon. Doon sa Maluso naman, kung saan hindi ko lang po alam kung nakarating na po ang replacement ballots galing pa po kasi ng Manila, baka i-extend po nila hanggang bukas ang eleksyon,” Baraceros said.
“Dito sa Cotabato City, meron pong konting delay dahil po sa kaguluhang nangyari kanina doon sa isang distrito, in particular ang District 2 ng Cotabato City, and I think dito rin po magkakaroon pa ng negosasyon siguro kung ma-extend ang election period na ginagawa natin,” he said.
The presdidential assistant said despite the extensions, COMELEC is still expected to formally declare the elections successful once the remaining areas conclude their voting.
