27 Bangsamoro election hot spots flagged over historical violence

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has classified 27 areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) under its highest "red" security category ahead of the region's first parliamentary elections, officials said Sunday.

Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia clarified that the classification does not mean there are active threats or recent violent disruptions in these locations. Instead, the areas were flagged based strictly on a history of election-related violence during previous polling cycles.

Under Comelec guidelines, a "red" categorization indicates serious potential threats from insurgent groups or high risks of localized political conflict among candidates. Garcia said security forces are being deployed to monitor these hot spots closely.

The areas placed under the red category as of 15 July include Al-Barka in Basilan; Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao del Norte; Pandag, Shariff Aguak, and Shariff Saydona Musthapa in Maguindanao del Sur; Tugunan within the Special Geographic Area; and 21 municipalities in Lanao del Sur, including Butig, Marantao, and Tubaran.

An additional 27 areas in the region have been placed under the "orange" category, indicating a possibility of disturbances despite having peaceful election histories. Comelec and security agencies plan to review and update these classifications weekly.

Garcia also addressed two recent violent incidents in the region, stating that initial investigations show neither is connected to the upcoming elections.

The first incident involved a municipal councilor who was shot and killed Thursday in Midsayap, Cotabato, just as the official election period began.

Garcia said police findings indicate the motive was personal. He also noted that while the victim lived within BARMM, the city of Cotabato itself is not part of the autonomous region.

The second incident occurred Saturday morning in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, where a grenade blast injured two soldiers and three civilians.

"It appears the Philippine Army was the intentional target," Garcia said, noting that election-related violence typically targets voters or candidates rather than military personnel.