Comelec takes control of Cotabato, Basilan town as BARMM polls begin

AI Summary

The Philippine Commission on Elections (Comelec) assumed control over Cotabato and a town in Basilan as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) elections commenced. The situation has been marked by reports of violence in Cotabato City and discovery of pre-shaded ballots in Maluso town, raising concerns over electoral fairness.

The Comelec decision comes as violence is reported in Cotabato City and pre-shaded ballots are found in Maluso town in Basilan