Poll watchdog Kontra Daya has urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to extend voting hours in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, following a five-hour delay in the opening of polling precincts.

In a statement, Kontra Daya called on Comelec to extend voting until 8:00 p.m., an hour beyond the official 7:00 p.m. closing time.

"The more than 80,000 voters there should be given more time and they should not be disenfranchised due to forces beyond their control," the group said.

Voting in Datu Odin Sinsuat began at 10:00 a.m. after a delay reportedly caused by supporters of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), who blocked the distribution of election materials, officials said.

Maguindanao del Norte election supervisor Mohammad Mutia stated that protesters prevented military vehicles from leaving the town hall until police personnel replaced teachers as members of the electoral board.

"Election paraphernalia is now en route to precincts," Mutia told reporters, as around 800 security personnel maintained order in the Comelec-controlled municipality.