BARMM Records 80% Voter Turnout in Inaugural Parliamentary Elections

The first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) recorded an impressive voter turnout of approximately 80%, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported on Tuesday. Comelec chairperson George Garcia underscored the firm resolve of voters in the region to cast their votes. "We're happy with the more or less 80% voter's turnout result of the BARMM parliamentary elections," Garcia told Super Radyo dzBB. "Although there were some violence, our countrymen in the Bangsamoro remain steadfast. Despite the shootings, voters still headed to the polling precincts to cast their votes," he added. The Police Regional Office – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) on Monday said there were 16 election-related incidents in the BARMM elections. "Regionwide, we have 16 election-related incidents. Kabilang na yung shooting incidents, trapping incidents and explosion incidents," PRO BAR regional director Police Brigadier General Christopher Abecia said during a press briefing at the Comelec Command Center in Cotabato City. Currently, 36 precincts in Maluso, Basilan are holding the continuation of the elections after their ballots were discovered to be pre-shaded. Garcia said the proclamation of winners of the BARMM parliamentary elections is expected to begin on Tuesday afternoon. —AOL, GMA News