10 | From rebellion to representation, BARMM parliament is elected 'though smudged with violence and irregularities

The first parliamentary election in the Bangsamoro is a major institutional outcome of the MILF’s decades-long armed struggle and subsequent transition from rebellion to governance.

It was a  critical test of whether the MILF can convert its revolution into democratic legitimacy—and whether the new institutions can ultimately deliver meaningful autonomy, inclusive governance, accountability, and lasting peace. Through the GPH-MILF peace process and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the MILF’s demands for Moro self-determination, autonomy, and political recognition were transformed from armed contestation into constitutional self-government through the BARMM.

The election is nearly accomplished, though waiting for the final proclamation, albeit the violence and reported irregularities.

Indeed, transitional elections represent the high-stakes pivot from protracted conflict to institutional democracy, but when marred by violence, the fragile mechanisms designed to build trust warp under pressure and fundamentally hurted the structural anatomy of regional governance. 

Reports said that nearly 2.4 million BARMM voters were electing 80 Members of Parliament: 40 party, 32 district, and eight sectoral representatives. A total of 494 nominees from 13 parties were contesting the party seats, while 107 candidates ran for the 32 district seats. A substantive number of these stakeholders are affected directly or emotionally with how electoral violence and irregularities frustrate the liberty to exercise the right of suffrage.

This degradation sprouted the paradox of emergency centralization, where escalated violence—such as gunfights inside schools, improvised explosive devices, mauling or beating, and grenade detonations—forces national election authorities to place volatile zones under direct Comelec control. While legally and logistically necessary to stabilize a breaking security environment, this centralization strips local authorities of their mandate and brings a heavy, permanent military and police presence directly into school perimeters and voting centers, which inherently alters the civilian nature of democratic spaces and exposes strategic security slope if forces are unevenly deployed. It was that predictive violence, sourced from historical experiences, which provided the strategic justification of massive deployment of military and police forces to prevent the extremes that could likely resort to ballot boxes snatching, potential political sabotage, and endangering voters and election officers' lives alike. Not new; experienced from the past. And, what was seen, was an overt replay and reverberation.

In response to insecurity and emergencies, various entities have taken swift action and issued immediate demands for COMELEC to place Cotabato City and Maluso, Basilan under direct COMELEC control on the eve and day of the election to address the deteriorating situation. NAMFREL expressed deep concern over the violence and ballot fraud, calling on all candidates and security forces to guarantee a peaceful process for the remainder of the election while urging volunteers to maintain extreme vigilance. 

In lurid details, the September 14, 2026, BARMM Regional Parliamentary Elections have been heavily impacted by intense localized violence, voters intimidation, gangsterism with riots, automated counting machine malfunctions, and allegations of systemic fraud due to irregularities, according to integrated reports from local monitoring groups, political parties, and the National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL), an accredited citizens' arm of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). 

While both COMELEC and NAMFREL noted that voting proceeded in a generally observed smooth, peaceful, and orderly manner in most polling places, severe disruptions in areas like Cotabato City and Maluso, Basilan have triggered direct intervention by COMELEC to hold it under its control. 

Severe security breaches on election day and its eve have disrupted democratic processes and instilled widespread fear among voters. At the Cotabato City Central Pilot Elementary School, a morning shooting left four people injured, including a civilian and a security officer, which was directly witnessed by on-site NAMFREL volunteers.

To reckon, Caril Abdul Lumidsog, his brother, Bain Abdul Lumidsog, and Idar Kasan Andog were killed by gunmen near the premises of the Datu Usman Mampen Elementary School in Barangay Bagua 2 in Cotabato City on the night of September 13.

The ensuing panic on the day of election, caused voters to flee, with some males climbing a nearby store roof which subsequently collapsed, delaying voting until 11:00 AM. Following the violence in Cotabato City, a grenade detonation in MB Kalanganan, and gunfire in Rosary Heights 10, alongside additional election day gunfire in Barangay Tamontaka 1 casued severe panic among election officers and electorates -- hiding when violence strike and reassembling to pursue election when peace was restored. 

Elsewhere, gunshots fired at Rifao Elementary School in South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur, forced panicked residents to flee home without voting, while an improvised explosive device was discovered and recovered early in the morning in Lamitan City, as reported.

Civil society groups believed that security forces were overly concentrated in Lanao del Sur, leaving Cotabato City with inadequate security coverage despite it hosting the seat of the Bangsamoro government. NAMFREL also observed a concerning presence of unauthorized politicians and supporters alongside security forces at Sultan Mandayan Elementary School in Matanog, Maguindanao Norte.

The violence and disruptions causing deaths, wounded persons, and destruction of properties intimidated the personal securities of voters had prompted the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) to petition COMELEC to declare a failure of election in District 2 of Cotabato City.

Monitors and political groups have strongly condemned active operations to manipulate voting outcomes, restrict voter access by threats and intimidations, and obstruct accredited observers. Widespread incidents of pre-shaded ballots were reported in Maluso, Basilan and at Campo Cuatro Elementary School in Datu Abdullah Sangki. Alleged fraud was documented at Maguindanaon Elementary School in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, where an electoral board member was observed illegally shading multiple official ballots and feeding them directly into the machine without the presence or authorization of registered voters, according to the observations of NAMFREL. In the same municipality, at Ma'had Darul Arabie Islamic Institute, NAMFREL pointed a procedural breach occurred when a voter bypassed the machine scanner to drop a ballot through an alternate opening, prompting an election board member to attempt to open the sealed box to retrieve it, drawing strong objections from poll watchers over chain of custody violations. 

Beyond ballot controversy, political partisans actively blocked citizens from entering polling places in Datu Anggal Midtimbang and Cotabato City based on their political affiliations, according to reports. At Datu Usman Elementary School in Cotabato City, police personnel allegedly obstructed the democratic process by barring accredited NAMFREL volunteers from entering the voting center despite them presenting official identification and letters of appointment.

Logistical challenges and machine malfunctions also crippled operations in multiple areas, despite the fact that election watchdogs recorded on-time openings and early voting starting at 5:00 AM in many places. In Al-Barka, Basilan, the deployment of election materials was delayed for hours due to safety concerns regarding armed individuals along the transport routes, causing Electoral Boards to still be en route as late as 10:20 AM.

Delays in the start of voting were similarly reported in Masiu, Lanao del Sur, while early precinct closures were observed at Saliguidan Memorial Elementary School in Maguindanao del Norte as of 11:00 AM. Additionally, automated counting machines failed in Tugunan, Special Geographic Area; Marogong, Lanao del Sur; South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur; and parts of Basilan causing delays. according to election monitors.

The Alyansa ng Mamamayan para sa Karapatang Pantao demanded that security forces eliminate partisan screenings, protect poll workers, and immediately isolate and invalidate all compromised pre-shaded ballots in Maluso to prevent fraudulent results from compromising the regional parliament. As the election progress, monitoring coordinators from PPCRV and IM4PEACE convened to assess situation and adjust their strategies on the ground, deploying quick response teams to high-tension areas and restructuring their retrieval plans for physical Election Returns to ensure safe transit and preserve the integrity of the tallies.

In contrast, multiple monitoring and media reports indicate that voting proceeded smoothly and orderly across several areas, including the SPMS Box, Ampatuan, Sultan sa Barongis, Datu Hoffer, Datu Piang, Mamasapano, Rajah Buayan, Pandag, Shariff Aguak, Lanao del Sur, and Datu Odin Sinsuat in the Maguindanao provinces, as well as Nabalawag in the Special Geographic Area, Marawi City, and Butig. The latter's voting procedure was efficient in completion by 10:00 AM.

As canvassing of certificates started in some areas at night, PPCRV and IM4PEACE monitors reported that stakeholders remained at key polling centers across Maguindanao and Cotabato City to monitor vote transmission and secure election documents. In areas where there is evident poor cellular connectivity, overheating vote-counting machines, late voting starts, extensions, and election-related security incidents, canvassing of election certificates was delayed. Cotabato specifically, temporarily suspended but targets resume on Tuesday at 8 am. Vote transmission continued overnight in some parts of Maguindanao while poll watchers remained onsite to witness transmission of results and secure PPCRV's copy of election returns. 

Indeed, violence in transitional region functions as a highly tactical mechanism of systemic voter disenfranchisement that strips citizens of their political agency. Physical coercion and gunfire near polling places transform democratic participation into an acute hazard, forcing rational citizens to flee precincts or stay home, while political partisans exploit security vacuums to establish physical blockades that filter or completely bar voters based on party affiliation. This climate of intimidation actively targets and obstructs independent oversight, as security forces or partisan actors bar accredited citizens' arms, poll watchers, and independent human rights monitors from entering voting centers confidently. Without these impartial eyes, structural infractions—such as electoral board members illegally pre-shading ballots and other forms of election irregularities -- go undocumented, concreting systemic election problems.

The ultimate consequence of a violent transitional election is the deepening of profound governance fractures, as the process fails to deliver undisputed institutional legitimacy.

When power is secured through terror and ballot manipulation rather than peaceful consensus, the incoming parliament may lack genuine democratic authority, signaling to opposing extreme factions that armed leverage and perpetuating a destructive culture over the ballot remains effective than democratic organization.The anathema of the goal of the peace process.

These severe irregularities may invariably trigger intense post-election friction, trapping the transitional government in bitter legal battles, administrative gridlock, and latent polarization. It will be evident by the data itself, where high-tension environments yield severe statistical anomalies—such as an overwhelming volume of undervotes or skipped ballot categories alongside thousands of invalidated overvotes— mirroring an electorate that has been profoundly alienated and has lost faith in the integrity of the process.

However, this is the first. And may it brings a lot of electoral learning process towards political maturity and voters resiliency to prevent a high-friction theater where partisan disagreements and structural misunderstanding may weaken the rule of law and leaving the post-transition government highly fractured, insecure, and traumatizing.

Notwithstanding, the public waits for the completion of election in Maluso, Basilan and the official proclamation of winners.

References

89.3 Brigada News FM Cotabato City (Sept 14, 2026). Ito yung sitwasyon kanina sa loob ng Pilot Elementary School matapos ang nangyaring pagpapaputok ng baril. https://www.facebook.com/share/r/19DNFWyCt7/ or https://www.facebook.com/reel/1821064905548830

89.3 Brigada News FM Cotabato City (Sept 14, 2026). Peaceful election in Dalican Pilot Elementary School. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18bEPbQUQY/

89.3 Brigada News FM Cotabato City (Sept 14, 2026). Cotabato city under Comelec control due to violence. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1898u4wkSo/

106.9 DXGR FM RadyoGandingan. (Sept 14, 2026). Voting at Lugay-Lugay Central School, Cotabato city remained peaceful. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/194iMTobkh/

106.9 DXGR FM RadyoGandingan. (Sept 14, 2026). Situation Updates: Voters from various sitios of Barangay Dagurongan, Sultan Mastura, Maguindanao del Norte, began lining up early on September 14 for the historic 1st Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17giLYJ7kB/

106.9 DXGR FM RadyoGandingan. (Sept 14, 2026). Voters from various sitios of Barangay Solon, Sultan Mastura, Maguindanao del Norte arrived early Monday to cast their votes. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1cSrx8eF3h/

106.9 DXGR FM RadyoGandingan. (Sept 14, 2026). Updates: Commotion in Sero Central Elementary School of Cotabato City. https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1Dn5qXujqq/

93.7 Star FM Cotabato (Sept 14, 2026). Situation Update: Sunod-sunod na putok ng baril ang narinig ngayong umaga sa bahagi ng Central Pilot School sa Cotabato City sa gitna yan ng nagpapatuloy na BARMM Parliamentary Elections. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19U4FWQLp9/

Acayan, Ezra (Sept 14, 2026). Supporters of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) get involved in a standoff with authorities outside a polling precinct in Cotabato City. Getty Images. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18xikqcWhw/

Ala, Fayzah Inshirah Cosna Alonto and Ala, Fahima Cherrylou Alonto (Sept 14, 2026). Displaced residents of Marawi city expressed hopes and dreams during BARMM poll. Davao Today. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HoNRSSFSC/

Ala, Fahima Cherrylou Alonto (Sept 14, 2026).  Voters of Marawi city entered in their designated polling precinct at Sagonsongan Area 2. Davao Today. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CTiyxsMPA/

Alibasa, Abulkhair M. (Sept 14, 2026). Voting proceeded peacefully and orderly in Barangay Tangcal Poblacion, Tubaran. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18JNxCu62G/

Alpa, Ranz (Sept 14, 2026). Scenes inside Vilo Central Elem. School, Poblacion 2, Cotabato City. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1JyTNxFMiq/

Aplal, Prennie Mae,  (Sept 14, 2026). Peaceful and orderly poll in PCHill Elementary School. 106.9 DXGR FM RadyoGandingan. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19Gt4KQdkY/

ANFREL - Asian Network for Free Elections (Sept 14, 2026). ANFREL and NDI Call on All Stakeholders to Prevent Further Violence and Safeguard the Bangsamoro Elections. Statement (E-copy). https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1F7ePVrnv5/

Arguillas, Carolyn O. (July 30, 2026). BARMM election campaign starts; 2 candidates assured of victory as they are running unopposed. MindaNews. https://mindanews.com/peace-process/2026/07/barmm-election-campaign-starts-2-candidates-assured-of-victory-as-they-are-running-unopposed/

Arguillas, Carolyn O. (Sept 14, 2026). Murad hopes UBJP gets majority seats in Bangsamoro Parliament but will go for coalition if it doesn’t. MindaNews. https://mindanews.com/top-stories/2026/09/murad-hopes-ubjp-gets-majority-seats-in-bangsamoro-parliament-but-will-go-for-coalition-if-it-doesnt/

Arguillas, Carolyn O. and Dejeto, Manman (Sept 14, 2026). Murad and Macacua voting in Precinct 0018B in their hometowns. MindaNews. https://mindanews.com/peace-process/2026/09/murad-and-macacua-voting-in-precinct-0018b-in-their-hometowns/

Bandera News TV-Cotabato/Radyo Bandera Cotabato (Sept 14, 2026). Voting remains peaceful and orderly today at Datu Guilem Piang Elementary School in Barangay Olandang, Nabalawag, SGA-BARMM. https://www.facebook.com/share/r/19RAiHhsc6/

Balce, Ben (Sept 15, 2026). BARMM polls hit by irregularities, violence. MGS. https://mindanaogoldstardaily.com/barmm-polls-hit-by-irregularities-violence

BMP -Bangsamoro Media Productions (Sept 14, 2026). Sitwasyon ngayon sa Vilo Elementary School matapos ang insidenteng kinasangkutan ng paghahagisan ng bato at umano’y mga putok ng baril sa labas ng voting center. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1E6rPnVHym/

Bonzo, Lucelle (Sept 14, 2026). Voting at Nabundas Central Elementary School in Shariff Saydona Mustapah was halted as gunfire continued about 250 meters away. Davao Today. https://www.facebook.com/share/1BooNofu3r/

Bonzo, Lyjah Tiffany; Serquina, Mariel Celine (Sept. 14, 2026). Poll watchdogs flag multiple voting at BARMM precinct in Maguindanao del Norte. GMA News. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/1002279/ppcrv-flags-multiple-voting-at-barmm-precinct-in-maguindanao-del-norte/story/?amp&fbclid=IwY2xjawUVzS9wZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7zDMOq-y9DSGNr_yfqyuX9QIQd8NHqzNQDI0XVbTUYcL4nrPBCtffoxgoImA_aem_DUkmfFl1AHyzUTDXM2aH1Q

Bonzo, Lucelle (Sept 14, 2026). 211 of 363 registered voters in clustered precincts 0040A and 0040B had cast their ballots; voting was suspended at 11 a.m. after the automated counting machine experienced a technical malfunction, Davao Today. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Bpsnkq6WK/

Cabrera, Ferdinandh (Sept 14, 2026). Man injured in blast near school in Cotabato City. MindaNews. https://mindanews.com/top-stories/2026/09/man-in-critical-condition-in-explosion-near-a-school-in-cotabato-city/

Casimiro, Queenie (Sept. 14, 2026). Tension in Al-Barka. MindaNews. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1JFP8s5SVD/

Climate Conflict Action (Sept 14, 2026). Critical Events Monitoring System (CEMS) Bulletins (Boto Mo Bangsamoro Bulletin no. 8 | As of 8:00pm; Boto Mo Bangsamoro Bulletin no. 7 | As of 05:00pm; Boto Mo Bangsamoro Bulletin no. 6 | As of 12:00pm; and, Boto Mo Bangsamoro Bulletin no. 5 | As of 7:00am. https://conflictalert.info/our-work/bulletins?fbclid=IwY2xjawUUjsVwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMWhUd2h4dDdSTTJHcjZPREJzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeS-ynEtdQbLitXEQjfFEsp9iVNRPqFDjyaM686Td4CB7poDnalbqyRANLgLc_aem_wQn8qTXnzBlrvg1HuAfYsQ

Commission on Election (COMELEC) (Sept 15, 2026). September 14, 2026 BARMM Parliamentary Elections. Philippines. https://barmmpelectionresults.comelec.gov.ph/dashboard

COMELEC (Sept 14, 2026). The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) En Banc declared Maluso, Basilan and Cotabato City in BARMM under COMELEC Control. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DbF1VZPES/

Daily Tribune (Sept 14, 2026). A #riot erupted outside Sero Central School in Cotabato City as voting continued in the first Bangsamoro parliamentary elections. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CgoZsjtha/

DXDN 103.3 Max FM Midsayap Official. (Sept 14, 2026). More than half of the over 1,500 registered voters in Barangay Nalapaan, Special Geographic Area, had cast their ballots as of Monday. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1P5npfaNcQ/

DXDN 103.3 Max FM Midsayap Official. (Sept 14, 2026). Members of the Badjao community in Bongao, Tawitawi braved the intense heat and long lines to cast their ballots. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18Kosk81kr/

DXDM Layag News FM Cotabato (Sept 14, 2026). Sitwasyon sa Amirol Elementary School , Bagua 2, Cotabato City kung saan mahigpit ang pagpapatupad ng seguridad matapos na nagkaroon ng barilan. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HL9DqEDHA/

DXDM Layag News FM Cotabato (Sept 14, 2026). 2 ka tao ang sugatan matapos pagbabarilin sa labas ng polling center ng Cotabato City. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19fMaP3CUY/

DXIC Iligan/RMN (Sept 14, 2026). Pag binaylo-ay ug bala, sulod sa Cotabato Pilot Central School atol sa BARMM Parliamentary Election karong adlawa. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FXfuhqMXR/

DXIC Iligan/RMN (Sept 14, 2026). Gikumpirma ni Atty. Mohammad Nabil Mutia, Lanao del Sur Provincial election Officer, nga malinawon ug hapsay ang pagsugod sa botohan alang sa pinakaunang Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1HbH3EtRa4/

DXMS Radyo Bida Cotabato City 882 (Sept 14, 2026). Sa Broce Central Elem. School, Barangay Semba, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, maliliit lamang umano na aberya ang kanilang naranasan. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BqywDs9A9/

DXMS Radyo Bida Cotabato City 882 (Sept 14, 2026).  Live Report  mula sa labas ng Sero Central Elementary School sa Cotabato City. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1PcVnDkmUq/

DXMS Radyo Bida Cotabato City 882 (Sept 14, 2026). Wasak ang dalawang puting Toyota Fortuner matapos umano itong pagpapaluin ng ilang kalalakihan sa labas mismo ng Sero Central Elementary School. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14oRGWCro98/

DXMS Radyo Bida Cotabato City 882 (Sept 14, 2026).  Malakas na pagsabog naitala sa loob ng Cotabato City Central Pilot School. https://www.facebook.com/share/r/19Nzqx5J8Q/

DXMS Radyo Bida Cotabato City 882 (Sept 14, 2026). Residents of Barangay Tugal, Kadayangan, SGA-BARMM, also cast their votes peacefully. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19ZLGuu5UM/

DXMS Radyo Bida Cotabato City 882 (Sept 14, 2026). Maayos mapayapang naka boto ang mga residente mula sa Barangay Nabalawag, Nabalawag, SGA BARMM. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Jeh5TMWRw/

DXMY 90.9 Cotabato (Sept 14, 2026). Situation Updates about the presence of band of men who rioted and destroyed private vehicles in Cotabato city. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EYtTFDA6o/

Dejeto, Manman (Sept 14, 2026). Riot in Cotabato City. MindaNews. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1K8Us5N2c6/

Fernandez, Edwin (September 14, 2026). Cotabato City, Basilan town now under Comelec control due to violence, PNA. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1283957?fbclid=IwY2xjawUVKi5wZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6BeArgzcoYHPkRgTnbUm7VfORtgZ8zuaE7d6CnQumI_rLLEjQUsMBBY7U7YQ_aem_wdesks9KsBsfa-uWhpytjw

Garcia Jr., Teofilo (September 14, 2026). Authorities foil bomb try before polling precincts open in Basilan. PNA. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1283955?fbclid=IwY2xjawUVKclwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4Juu91TnCSeOgE9aJThHsV3yUrlfm7ucqC4-XdKGYBx8P-41Kn78AQ2-M3OA_aem_QzrmDSFNWpUIbXTFyUTEgw

Guro, Mojahid Salic (Sept 14, 2026). When shooting, explosions, death, and injuries can still comfortably fit in the description "generally peaceful", we wisk normalizing the level of political violence. (Comment to a report: PNP, Comelec say BARMM polls 'generally peaceful' despite gunfire incidents by Ian Laqui | Philstar | Sept 14, 2026 | 7:01pm). https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10164634074929834&set=a.424140714833

GMA News (Sept 14, 2026). arrest of 10 individuals who allegedly tried to evade PNP personnel after they were flagged down in Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao del Sur. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ERU46HArU/

GMA News (Sept 14, 2026). Firefight in the town of Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao del Sur, between government forces and an armed group. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19MmtMDRL5/

IM4PEACE (Sept. 14, 2026) Situation Report No 1 and No. 2 and Pre-election Assessment | Bangsamoro Parliamentary Election. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DrN7729pB/ and https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19gtyqE7DY/ and https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1SCokXYTsi/

ImindsPh (Sept 14, 2026).  4 sugatan kabilang na ang 1 pulis sa insidente ng pamamaril sa Cotabato City Central Pilot School. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DnnU9sBKp/

ImindsPh (Sept 14, 2026). Dalawang indibidwal ang iniulat na sugatan matapos ang isang putukan sa Cotabato City Central Pilot School. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DjiahNgrR/ and https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19NArBSwVe/ and https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Br74pVm4Y/

Katog, AkReem (Sept 14, 2026). International Observers Maagang bumisita sa Usman Elementary School, Cotabato City. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HLxvjkLCx/

Kutangbato News (Sept 14, 2026). A man was rushed to a hospital after sustaining serious injuries in an explosion near Amirul School in Barangay Kapimpilan, Mother Kalanganan. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DNxmJ8RUb/

Kutangbato News (Sept 14, 2026). Several individuals who were involved in the incident earlier at Sero Central School were transported in a military truck to move them safely away from the school premises and prevent any possible further disturbance. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HFnxqpfHg/

Kutangbato News (Sept 14, 2026). Three people were killed and six others injured after a confrontation between supporters of rival parties, the UBJP and BFP. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1KLaorBpWs/

Kutangbato News (Sept 14, 2026). The polling center at San Vicente School in Barangay Rosary Heights 9, Cotabato City, was temporarily evacuated and closed after three consecutive gunshots were reported in the area. Marines responded. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19ZyCAvVMb/ with related report in https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1GsoY82vkv/

Related reports:

DXMY 90.9 Cotabato. Bakbakan sa Bagua 2, Cotabato City ngayong gabi. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CSSgHFApf/ ; https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1Hk7zKjTmz/ ; https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CSSgHFApf/ ; https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19dHjqDCeB/

Bandera News TV-Cotabato/ Radyo Bandera Cotabato. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19aBqnto2w/

Mindanao Expose News (Sept 13, 2026). https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Gai6aFud7/

Statement of Barangay Chairman Fahad B. Sengh about the incident in Barangay Bagua 2, Cotabato City. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19WvGsd12G/ and https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1GFvnCamWH/

Kutangbato News (Sept 14, 2026). Amirol Elementary School sa Mother Kalangnan, Wala Umanong Mga Botante. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Q4LNFpdDc/

LENTE Philippines (September 14, 2026). Last Press Release | 1st BARMM Parliamentary Elections. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CcLfGmkM9/

LILAK (Purple Action for Indigenous Women's Rights) and Bello, L. (Sept 14, 2026). BALITANG UMALOHOKAN: Sitwasyon sa Barangay Kuya, Upi, Maguindanao, BARMM. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FBbbHNqWk/

Maguindanao news Updates (Sept 14, 2026). Updates on the electoral violence in Sharif Saydona Mustapha Maguindanao del Sur. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FczKZTLWe/

Maguindanao news Updates (Sept 14, 2026). Sampong mga kalalakihan naharang sa Sharif Saydona Mustapha. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1JHUTc5eKa/

Mindanao Daily Source (Sept 14, 2026). Voters have arrived at the voting centers in Marawi Central Elementary School for the BARMM parliamentary election. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AskHrYz24/

Mindanao Daily Source (Sept 14, 2026). Military Steps in as Voters Exit without Indelible Ink Marks. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DCXK5RgV5/

Mindanao Expose News (Sept 14, 2026). Pagsabog naitala sa Central Pilot Elementary School sa Cotabato City. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EcrNEUykZ/

Mindanao Expose News (Sept 14, 2026). Sitaution outside Sero Elementary School,  Sinsuat Ave., Cotabato.  https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19LRJyYmc9/

Mindanao Expose News  (Sept 14, 2026). UBJP, humiling ng failure of election sa ilang lugar sa Cotabato City | E-copy of the UBJP petition addressed to Comlec chairperson George Erwin Garcia signed by Atty. Lanang Ali. Posted as Status Update. https://www.facebook.com/share/19gNu1BdGH/

National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) (Sept 14, 2026). Voting at Gadongan Elementary School in Poona Bayabao, Lanao del Sur. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1KYvxwRRSz/

National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) (Sept 14, 2026). NAMFREL Basilan participated in the delivery of ballot boxes and election materials in the different barangays of Al-Barka, in a convoy that included AFP, BIAF, PNP, COMELEC, and political party watchers. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EDzTHNqWw/

National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) (Sept 14, 2026). Voting at Datu Manguda Mangilay Elementary School in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DeAei4akp/

National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) (Sept 14, 2026). Ongoing voting at Tamparan Central Pilot School in Tamparan, Lanao del Sur. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1By1QXj7xu/

NewsWatch Plus Philippines (Sept 14, 2026). PDLs cast vote in Bangsamoro Polls. https://www.facebook.com/share/1BmPxfYvxr/ 

One Mindanao (Sept 14, 2026). Situation Update: NO ID, NO ENTRY, hugot kini nga gipatuman sa Dalican Pilot Elementary School nga usa sa polling centers sa Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ErVa1xHKg/

One Mindanao (Sept 14, 2026). Situation Update: BIAF updates situation in a precinct in Cotabato city and the ensuing misunderstanding. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HfvdRbeVJ/

OneTV Philippines (Sept 14, 2026). Voting in the first BARMM Parliamentary Election proceeded peacefully in Shariff Aguak. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FUXDBCzSu/

OneTV Philippines (Sept 14, 2026). Tension briefly erupted at a polling precinct in Sultan Mandayan, Matanog, Lanao del Sur. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FqqcQ1dCx/

Pasandalan, Pretty Rahma Sangki (Sept 14, 2026). Situation updates about the chaos among voters who eventually ran out from the polling center by climbing a building. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EZWoaeYfK/

Paquera, Kay (Sept 14, 2026). Shots fired inside the Cotabato City Central Pilot School, MindaNews. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1JazN7m22s/

PhilStar (Sept 14, 2026). Comelec downplays 'isolated incidents' of violence in BARMM polls. PhilStar. https://www.philstar.com/nation/2026/09/14/2556326/comelec-downplays-isolated-incidents-violence-barmm-polls

RMN Zamboanga (Sept 14, 2026). Updates on the Al-Barka, Basilan situation. https://www.facebook.com/share/1F4Qdwj1BL/ ; https://www.facebook.com/share/1GqNMzezUA/ ; https://www.facebook.com/share/1Peui2P1kK/

Rappler (Sept 14, 2026). 2026 BARMM parliamentary elections. https://www.rappler.com/philippines/mindanao/n42301217-barmm-parliamentary-elections-2026/

Rappler (Sept 14, 2026). Voting at the Saduc Central Elementary School in Marawi City. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BryiYr927/

Ronda del Basilan (Sept 14, 2026). Polling precincts in Barangay Tairan reportedly closed as early as noon after ballots allegedly ran out, leaving many voters unable to cast their votes. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EqXq5ccGZ/

Ronda del Basilan (Sept 14, 2026). Pre-shaded ballots were reportedly discovered in Tambulig, Buton, Tabuan-Lasa, Basilan during today’s BARMM Parliamentary Elections. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DRAyHJSoQ/

Ronda del Basilan and Falcatan, Richard Gregorio (Sept 14, 2026). COMELEC has announced a temporary delay in the distribution of official ballots in a precinct in Maluso Municipality for today’s September 14, 2026 BARMM Parliamentary Elections, pending the delivery of replacement ballots. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19YHYQv1eK/

Ronda del Basilan (Sept 14, 2026). 54 percent of registered voters in Basilan had already cast their ballots. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DenL1ruCt/

Rosete, Franck Dick (Sept 14, 2026). media members and volunteer lawyers seeking to cover and observe the first BARMM Parliamentary Elections were not accommodated promptly into Sultan Guro Central Elementary School in Barangay Inudaran, Marantao, Lanao del Sur. Bulatlat. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FWdRRbTK5/

Saludes, Mark (Sept 14, 2026). Historic Bangsamoro vote unfolds under shadow of election violence in southern Philippines. LicasNews. https://www.licas.news/2026/09/14/historic-bangsamoro-vote-unfolds-under-shadow-of-election-violence-in-southern-philippines/

Timonera, Bobby (Sept 14, 2026). Voting at Sagonsongan, Marawi City, MindaNews. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FCD8D94zp/ 

Unson, John (Sept 14, 2026). Bloody incidents rock BARMM polls in Cotabato City, PhilStar. https://www.philstar.com/nation/2026/09/14/2556217/bloody-incidents-rock-barmm-polls-cotabato-city?fbclid=IwY2xjawUU_QZwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMXFsSkUwQk1jZURUazdwbjBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeMHpR3xilKeXOY6MkJNeQtUDwBGvmpmgGN8aP1SexAp2tQnV4DHejf4jqYY0_aem_yHD7MCzvnF83y0IaSRvttg

Umel, Ritchel (Sept 15, 2026). Five BARMM parliamentary district reps proclaimed in Lanao del Sur. MindaNews. https://mindanews.com/top-stories/2026/09/five-barmm-parliamentary-district-reps-proclaimed-in-lanao-del-sur/

XFM Davao Katropa Digital (Sept 14, 2026). Loud and successive gunshots were heard in the urban area of Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao del Sur during BARMM poll. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Mraz7gZ8d/