Comelec declares BOL plebiscite ‘credible’ despite reports of harassment

MANILA, Philippines – The plebiscite for the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) was “credible” despite reports of harassment in Cotabato City, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Sheriff Abas said Tuesday.

According to Abas, the reported harassment of Cotabato City residents allegedly by members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as well as several untoward incidents in the area were just “small commotions.”

But he admitted being unable to personally confirm the occurrence of those reports since he was not in Mindanao for the BOL plebiscite.

On Monday, however, army bomb experts detonated a fragmentation grenade in Cotabato. January 21 was first day of the BOL plebiscite.

READ: Grenade found near school in Cotabato City

On the eve of the referendum, two grenades exploded inside the residential compound of Judge Angelito Rasalan, of Upi Municipal Circuit Trial Court.

READ: Twin blasts rock Cotabato City on eve of BOL plebiscite

The second BOL plebiscite will be on February 6 in Lanao del Norte (except Iligan City) and six towns of North Cotabato. Faye Orellana, INQUIRER.net     /kga