Grenade fired at Maguindanao polling precinct; no one hurt

COTABATO CITY, Philippines–A grenade was fired towards the polling precinct in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao on Monday morning apparently to scare off voters on Election Day, according to local officials.

No one was reported hurt in the blast, according to Bai Meriam Kawit, Maguindanao school’s division superintendent.

“The voters waiting in line scampered away for safety. The intention was merely to scare us off, but we hope the voters will come back to exercise their right. We will wait for them,” Kawit said.

“Anything that is happening during the elections are politically motivated, especially acts that target teachers who are playing a part in this exercise,” Chief Superintendent Noel de los Reyes, police chief for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The grenade was apparently fired using an M203 launcher, according to authorities.

Maguindanao is one of the provinces identified as an area of concern by the Commission on Elections.