The Philippine government declared the first-ever Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao parliamentary elections generally peaceful and successful Monday, despite isolated incidents reported in Cotabato City, Al-Barka in Basilan, and Maluso being addressed by the police and state security forces.
Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Presidential Assistant and Undersecretary Noel Baraceros made the statement in an interview on DZRH News program The Situation Report on Monday, September 14, providing his assessment of how the historic elections unfolded.
The presidential assistant said the government’s overall reading of the situation is positive despite the incidents, with voting in Tawi-Tawi completed without major disruption, and Lanao del Sur recording minimal incidents.
“Sa amin po sa OPAPRU, in coordination with the AFP, sa tingin po namin, kagaya po sa Tawi-Tawi, I think natapos na po ang eleksyon. Sa Lanao del Sur, wala pong masyadong insidente. Dito sa Maguindanao del Norte at Maguindanao del Sur, meron pong mga na-report na konting insidente,” Baraceros said.
Baraceros said the Cotabato incidents are now under formal investigation by the PNP and NBI, while the situation in Basilan—particularly Al-Barka and Maluso—was addressed with coordinated escort operations involving the AFP, PNP, and the Joint Peace and Security Teams.
“Other than the reported incidents, in general, masasabi po natin na maayos po ang pag-conduct ng ating unang BARMM parliamentary elections. Doon sa mga incidents po na na-report, especially dito sa Cotabato, ay naatasan na po ang ating kapulisan and NBI na magawa po ng karampatang imbestigasyon sa mga insidente,” he said.
The presidential assistant said the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is expected to formally declare the elections successful once the remaining extensions in affected areas are concluded.
“I think ready naman po ang ating mga kasamahan sa COMELEC na magdeklara na po mamaya,” Baraceros said.
Baraceros also cited the public statement of MILF chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal, who called for restraint and acceptance of results on election day, as a key signal that the peace process underpinning the BARMM elections is holding.
“Maganda po kasi kahit kanina, naglabas na po ng statement si Chairman Iqbal na sinasabing sinusuportahan nila ang magiging resulta ng eleksyon. Nagpapasalamat din po kami sa kanila na magkaroon po ng restraint and i-maintain po ang kapayapaan dito sa Cotabato at sa kabuuan po ng Bangsamoro region,” he said.
