BARMM interim chief laments poll violence: 'We cannot ignore the painful reality'

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As the historic Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) elections draw to a close, the region’s interim chief minister said the polls were largely successful, but the violence that marred the vote in Cotabato City was painful.

BARMM Interim Chief Abdulraof Macacua, who won as the 3rd District Representative of Maguindanao del Norte, called the elections historic. It was a reflection of every Bangsamoro voter’s hope and courage, he said.

“But we cannot ignore the painful reality that violence occurred in some areas, particularly in the City of Cotabato. Sa mga nasaktan at nawalan, hindi namin kayo nakakalimutan (To those who were injured and lost someone, we will not forget you),” Macacua said in a Facebook post.

Macacua urged BARMM residents not to let violence divide them, stressing that despite their differences, they remain part of one Bangsamoro community.

The interim BARMM chief said that there is still work to be done.

“Natapos na ang halalan, ngunit hindi nagtatapos dito ang ating trabaho. Ngayon, panahon na upang magkaisa at ipagpatuloy ang ating nasimulan. Samahan ninyo ako sa pagtataguyod ng isang Mas Matatag na Bangsamoro—mas mapayapa, mas makatarungan, at mas nagkakaisa,” Macacua said.

(The elections are over, however, the job is not done. Now is the time to unite and continue what has begun. Join me to establish a stronger Bangsamoro — more peaceful, just, and united.)

The Philippine National Police has called the BARMM polls generally peaceful, with the exception of several isolated cases of violence. At least four people were reported dead in election-related violence, with 19 people being injured.

Despite this, the Commission on Elections said that the BARMM polls had a high voter turnout of 82%. —LDF, GMA News