MANILA – Voting in Al-Barka, Basilan was extended by two hours on Monday after tensions involving Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters and commanders, as well as other partisan groups, delayed the deployment of election materials in the municipality.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson George Erwin Garcia said the poll body en banc approved the extension, moving the voting deadline from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“The reason for this is that tensions arose involving certain groups of MILF fighters and commanders, as well as other partisan groups; consequently, our teachers were unable to immediately enter the area and secure the necessary materials, particularly the ballots,” Garcia said in a press conference.

Meanwhile, reprinted ballots for Maluso, also in Basilan, were being transported to the municipality after being printed at the National Printing Office in Quezon City.

Comelec earlier ordered the reprinting of 16,563 official ballots covering 36 polling precincts after the ballots were found to have been pre-shaded.

Four companions allowed at proclamation

Candidates who win in the first-ever Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections may bring up to four companions to the proclamation ceremony.

Comelec Commissioner Aimee Ferolino, chairperson of the Gun Ban and Security Concerns Committee, said the proclamation will be held at the 6th Infantry Division, Camp Siongco in Barangay Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.

“Relative to the September 14, 2026 Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections (BPE), candidates who will be proclaimed as winners in the said elections are allowed to bring four (4) companions during the proclamation at the 6th Infantry Division (6ID), Camp Siongco in Barangay Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte,” Ferolino said.

She directed candidates to submit the complete names of their guests or companions, the plate numbers of the vehicles they will use and the name of each vehicle’s driver to the Bangsamoro Electoral Office, with a copy furnished to the Gun Ban and Security Concerns Committee.

“Bringing of firearm/s into the proclamation venue is strictly prohibited. Should any firearm/s be brought to the venue, it shall be deposited in accordance with the applicable security protocols,” she said.

Polls generally peaceful

Garcia described Monday’s elections as generally peaceful despite incidents of explosions and shootings in Cotabato City that left four people dead.

“At present, we can say that our elections are generally peaceful. However, unfortunate incidents did occur—especially here in Cotabato City. We are saddened by this. We condemn such incidents, particularly those that resulted in the deaths of our fellow citizens,” he said.

The Comelec earlier placed Cotabato City and Maluso under its control following the incidents.

Comelec eyes 80% turnout

Garcia said the poll body remains hopeful that voter turnout in the BARMM parliamentary elections could reach 80 percent.

“I believe that we can indeed achieve the very high voter turnout I mentioned. Despite the scorching heat, there are long lines of our fellow citizens. Even in areas where disturbances occurred, the lines of those wishing to vote remain long,” he said.

“I believe the people of Bangsamoro have shown that they are not afraid—whether there is gunfire, unrest, or even fistfights. It doesn’t really matter; they will vote. We are grateful to them for the trust they have placed in the Comelec,” Garcia added.

BARMM has 2,393,202 registered voters. (PNA)