Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Mel Senen Sarminento on Monday condemned the violent incident in Cotabato City Sunday night that killed three persons and wounded 15 others.
The event happened on the eve of the first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections.
“We strongly condemn the violent incident that transpired in Cotabato City last night, and we extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims. Violence has absolutely no place in this historic milestone,” he said in a statement.
Sarmiento also called on law enforcement authorities to swiftly investigate and hold those responsible for the violent attack to account.
Despite the incident, the OPAPRU chief said this act will not deter the Bangsamoro people from exercising their right to vote.
“OPAPRU remains steadfast in supporting Comelec (Commission on Elections), our security forces, and our peace partners to ensure that the will of the people prevails peacefully,” Sarminento said.
PH Army Committed To Ensuring Peaceful Conclusion Of BARMM Polls
As this developed, the Philippine Army (PA) on Monday said that it is committed to ensuring that the BARMM elections are conducted in a peaceful, orderly and secure environment.
“While minor incidents have been reported, these should not undermine the democratic process or cause fear and panic among our fellow Filipinos. We call on all voters, candidates, supporters, and stakeholders to remain calm, exercise restraint, and reject any form of violence or provocation. There is no place for atrocities, intimidation, or acts that threaten the safety of our communities during this important exercise of democracy,” Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said in a message to reporters.
He said the PA, together with its other security partners, remains vigilant and ready to respond to threats and protect the people, particularly those exercising their right to vote.
“We will continue to maintain a secure environment and ensure that our communities can participate in the electoral process without fear. Let us protect the peace, respect the democratic process, and allow the voice of the people of BARMM to be heard,” Dema-ala noted.
Parliamentary rights
Meanwhile, Sarmiento called on Bangsamoro voters to exercise their right to choose their leaders and not be intimidated by any form of violence.
“Every ballot cast represents the collective voice, hope, and determination of the Bangsamoro people,” he said, noting that voters’ rights are protected.
“We urge the public to immediately approach and alert our security forces if they witness or experience any electoral violations so that swift and decisive action can be taken. Document every incident carefully and preserve evidence that will firmly stand in a court of law,” Sarmiento said.
The peace adviser said the agency will closely monitor all formal complaints and cases filed before the Commission on Elections to ensure that those responsible for electoral offenses and illicit acts are held accountable under the law.
“At the same time, we call for sobriety, calm, and maturity among all political parties, candidates, and their supporters. We must remember that this democratic exercise is an integral pillar of the Bangsamoro peace process. Protecting your ballot means protecting the hard-won peace and the future of the Bangsamoro,” he said.
“Let us bring the Political Track of the Comprehensive Agreement of the Bangsamoro to a successful conclusion. Let the people’s voices be heard, let their votes count, and let them freely choose the leaders who will shape the future of the Bangsamoro,” he added. (PNA)