BARMM interim chief calls for peaceful, orderly elections

COTABATO CITY – On the eve of the historic Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE), Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua appealed to the electorate to go out and make the polls orderly and peaceful.

“This is more than just electing leaders, but it is proof of how far we have progressed in the peace process,” Macacua said in his video message aired Sunday.

He said the elections signal that BARMM is entering a new stage in the journey toward peace.

“Let us respect everyone's right to choose and not allow our differences to become a reason for our communities to clash,” Macacua said.

He asked the candidates and the voting public to avoid mudslinging and dirty politics.

“Let us also be responsible with the words we use and the stories we spread. Let us not exaggerate matters that could reopen the wounds of the past and revive suspicions among the Bangsamoro, the national government, and our fellow Filipinos,” Macacua, a candidate for a parliamentary seat representing Maguindanao del Norte’s Fifth district, said.

“Our votes may be different but we share one desire to make them the key to our future. Whatever the outcome of the election, we will continue to work together in building the Bangsamoro.”

Teachers inhibit from poll duties

Meanwhile, more than 800 public school teachers tasked to serve as electoral board (EB) members have backed out, Commission on Elections Chairperson George Garcia said here Sunday.

In an interview, Garcia said most of the teachers are related to candidates.

Garcia said taking over as EB members are police officers trained by the Department of Science and Technology.

“We have anticipated this so we are prepared,” Garcia said.

In Cotabato City alone, 137 teachers did not show up during the final testing and sealing of automated counting machines on Saturday.

Other teachers who withdrew are from Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Tawi-Tawi and BARMM Special Geographic Area. (PNA)