Multiple Voting, Gunshots Reported in Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections

Multiple instances of irregularities and chaos have been reported during the first parliamentary elections held in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in the southern Philippines. The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) has released its monitoring findings, calling on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to address these issues. According to PPCRV's reports, at the Central Oring Elementary School in Buldon, Maguindanao del Norte, instances of individuals casting ballots on behalf of other voters were observed. PPCRV spokesperson Ana Singson pointed out that voting for another person without authorization from Comelec is strictly prohibited. She emphasized that even for family members or friends, proxy voting is not allowed, except for voters with disabilities who require assistance and have been authorized by Comelec. Furthermore, the distribution of prohibited sample ballots was also noted at the same school. Singson cautioned that the campaign period has already ended, and distributing election materials inside polling precincts constitutes an election offense. Meanwhile, chaos was also reported in other parts of BARMM. At Dilausan Central Elementary School in Lumbaca-Unayan, Lanao del Sur, gunshots were heard around 10:31 a.m., with people reportedly running amidst the confusion. PPCRV reported gunshots and fleeing voters near the Barangay Dimapaok precinct. GMA News Online has reached out to Comelec for comment and will update the story once a response is received. Source: GMA News Philippines