Cotabato, Lanao BOL vote opens ‘peacefully’ — Comelec
Comelec spokesman James Jimenez. INQUIRER.net file photo / CATHY MIRANDA
MANILA, Philippines – No untoward incidents were monitored by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as the plebiscite on the inclusion for the newly established Bangsamoro region kicked off in North Cotabato and Lanao del Sur on Wednesday morning.
Apart from the blasts that rocked Lanao del Norte on the eve of the plebiscite, Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said Wednesday that the second part of the Bangsamoro plebiscite was so far peaceful.
“Wala pa rin tayong namo-monitor na report ng kaguluhan bagama’t nagkaroon ng pagsabog kahapon sa may Lanao,” Jimenez said in an interview with Radyo Inquirer 990AM.
“Nagpapasalamat tayo na medyo peaceful pa rin ang proceso natin,” he added.
Three explosions were recorded by authorities in Lanao del Norte on Tuesday past 4 p.m.
Article continues after this advertisementThe first explosion happened in the business center of Lala town, while the other was at the back of the municipal hall in Kauswagan town.
Article continues after this advertisementREAD: Despite blasts, Lanao Norte plebiscite a go – Comelec exec
Jimenez earlier said that the biggest concern of the commission for the February 6 plebiscite was violence in Mindanao.
READ: Biggest concern for BOL Feb. 6 plebiscite is violence — Comelec
Jimenez noted that majority of polling precincts in North Cotabato opened on time for the plebiscite.
“Marami tayong maagang bumubuto, karamihan mga senior citizen. Nag-o-open naman yung ating mga polling precincts. Sa Lanao na lang yung hindi natin nakukuhanan ng report,” he said.
“Pero for the most, mukhang majority ng polling precinct nagbukas on time – alas-syete,” Jimenez added.
The second round of plebiscite was being held in six municipalities of Lanao del Norte — Baloi, Munai, Nunungan, Pantar, Tagaloan and Tangkal — and several barangays in the towns of Aleosan, Carmen, Cabacan, Midsayap, Pigkawayan, Tulunan, and Pikit in North Cotabato.
The first round of the plebiscite was held last January 21 in the ARMM and the cities of Cotabato and Isabela.
The Bangsamoro Organic Law was then deemed ratified on January 25 after getting more than 1.5 million affirmative votes. /cbb
READ: Yes votes have it: Law creating Bangsamoro region ratified
