Maguindanao town voting held as rivals block poll materials transport

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INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

COTABATO CITY — Voting in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, was delayed Monday as supporters of rival political camps blocked the transport of election materials.

As of 10 a.m., residents of the town—currently under Commission on Elections (Comelec) control—had not yet cast their votes. The delay stemmed from a standoff between opposing groups that began as early as 5 a.m. at the municipal hall grounds.

Supporters of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) blocked the exit gate of the town hall compound, demanding that police officers, rather than teachers or municipal employees, serve as electoral board members.

“We want the police to man the precincts, not teachers and town employees,” one UBJP member chanted as his group prevented a truck manned by Philippine Marines from leaving with election paraphernalia.

Across the street, supporters of the rival Team Aguila party gathered, calling for the immediate delivery of election materials so voting could begin.

“We want the election to proceed as soon as possible,” they chanted.

Maguindanao del Norte election supervisor Mohammad Mutia and provincial police director Col. Ryan Paloma intervened to defuse the situation peacefully.

By 10:20 a.m., the standoff ended and the transport of election materials commenced, with some 800 police and Army personnel providing security.