Cotabato City has voted to become part of the Bangsamoro region with the “Yes” vote prevailing in the province based on the complete but still unofficial count of the Commission on Elections on the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) plebiscite prevailed in Cotabato City, according to Comelec.

It has previously twice expressed opposition to joining the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in 1989 and 2001.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the result of the plebiscite “must be upheld despite discordant voices” and urged those against the BOL to “yield to the rule of the majority.”

“All the major players, pro and con, must now come together and work together for the success of the common aspiration of the Bangsamoro people, which is to have a progressive and peaceful Mindanao,” Panelo said in a statement.

He likewise gave assurances that those who attempted to discredit the voting will not go unpunished by the government while ensuring the decision of the people will stand.

Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Carlito Galvez Jr. praised the successful conduct of the political exercise.

“On Monday, we saw how the historic democratic exercise works in the areas covered by the plebiscite,” Galvez said.

“I congratulate the men and women of AFP, Philippine National Police and the Comelec, as well as the public-school teachers and civil society groups for guarding the sanctity of the ballot and for ensuring the safety of the voters,” he added.

He also asks everyone to respect and wait for the outcome of the results.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said the overall plebiscite in Maguindanao province and Cotabato City was generally peaceful.

“The positive outcome is attributed to the close coordination and synchronized efforts between the security forces and the Commission on Elections together with the concerned stakeholders,” he added.

“As in all elections and plebiscites, there will be claims of irregularity, fraud and intimidation. If they do not affect the credibility of the elections and alter the result thereof, while those responsible for the undemocratic methods will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, the result of the plebiscite must be upheld,” Panelo said.

Meanwhile, with one of two BOL plebiscites done, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leader Ebrahim Murad said the next challenge they have to address is “the struggle against ourselves.”

From being revolutionaries, the MILF will now be making the transition to being involved in governance — a gargantuan task since most of them have never served in government.

Still, Murad remains optimistic that they will defy the odds and finally be instruments of bringing lasting peace and progress in Mindanao.

Meanwhile, the next plebiscite is slated on 6 February which will cover Lanao del Norte (except Iligan City) and six towns in North Cotabato.

Malacañang yesterday has issued Proclamation 656 declaring the said date as a special non-working day to give residents in the aforementioned areas the “opportunity to actively and fully participate in the plebiscite and exercise their right to vote.”