Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Erwin Garcia characterized the maiden Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections on Monday, September 14, as generally peaceful, notwithstanding isolated violent security disruptions, including casualties in Cotabato City.
Garcia noted the tragic developments recorded in Cotabato City and conveyed his condolences regarding the casualties, yet maintained that the violence failed to deter the electorate from participating in the region’s landmark elections.
“Sa kasalukuyan masasabi natin na generally peaceful naman ang ating halalan,” Garcia said.
“Kung kaya nga lang, lalo na dito sa Cotabato City, nagkaroon ng unfortunate incidents. Nalulungkot kami. Kinokondena natin yung ganyang klase ng mga insidente, lalong-lalo na’t may pagkamatay ng ating mga kababayan,” he added.
Despite the security challenges, the COMELEC chief voiced confidence that overall turnout would still meet his earlier high projections.
Pointing to extensive voter lines under oppressive heat, Garcia framed the sustained turnout across affected communities as proof of the electorate’s commitment to completing their ballots.
“Ako po naniniwala ako na ‘yung akin pong binanggit na napakataas ng porsyento [voter’s turnout] ay kaya po nating marating ‘yon,” he stated.
He further observed that voters’ resolve demonstrated their refusal to be intimidated by violence or disruption during the autonomous region’s foundational voting exercise.
“Nagpapakita po na ipinakita ng mga taga-Bangsamoro na hindi sila natatakot…whether may putukan, may kaguluhan na ganyan, may suntukan. It doesn’t really matter. They will vote,” Garcia remarked.
Closing his assessment, the election chief commended the local population for placing their confidence in the electoral process throughout Election Day.
“Nagpapasalamat tayo sa kanila sa tiwalang binigay po nila sa COMELEC,” he stated.