Comelec: BARMM elections resulted in 82% voter turnout

The first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) resulted in 82% voter turnout, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported on Tuesday.

This is equivalent to 1,984,331 votes received from 5,129 polling precincts, based on the central server showing the partial and unofficial election returns.

Earlier in the day, Comelec chairperson George Garcia underscored the firm resolve of voters in the region to cast their votes, as the voter turnout reached 80%

"Masaya naman tayo dun sa resulta na 80% voter's turnout more or less ang naging resulta nito," Garcia told Super Radyo dzBB.

(We're happy with the more or less 80% voter's turnout result of the BARMM parliamentary elections.)

"Kahit na may ilang karahasan, hindi nagpatinag ang mga kababayan natin sa Bangsamoro. Kahit na may nagkaroon ng putukan, talagang pagkatapos na dumiretso pa rin sila sa presinto at bumoto," he added.

(Although there were violence, our countrymen in the Bangsamoro remain steadfast. Despite the shootings, voters still headed to the polling precincts cast their votes.)

The Police Regional Office – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) on Monday said there were 16 election-related incidents in the BARMM elections.

"Regionwide, we have 16 election-related incidents. Kabilang na yung (This includes) shooting incidents, trapping incidents and explosion incidents," PRO BAR regional director Police Brigadier General Christopher Abecia said during a press briefing at the Comelec Command Center in Cotabato City.

Currently, 36 precincts in Maluso, Basilan are holding the continuation of the elections after their ballots were discovered to be pre-shaded.

Garcia said the proclamation of winners of the BARMM parliamentary elections is expected to begin on Tuesday afternoon. —AOL, GMA News