Three Dead, Five Injured in Election-Related Shootings in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte

Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte – Two voters and a local candidate’s supporter were killed, while five others were injured in separate shooting incidents on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Datu Odin Sinsuat police chief, gunmen attacked the unnamed voters as they were entering Bugawas Elementary School to participate in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). Madin added that the shooting occurred following a commotion among supporters of rival candidates for village chair. The assailants fled the scene on a motorbike, and are currently being pursued.

Madin also reported a second incident that took place on Monday afternoon, in which a supporter of a local candidate was shot during a disturbance as voting was about to close at 3 p.m. in Barangay Semba. The victim was pronounced dead upon arrival at a hospital in Cotabato City. This shooting happened outside Sarilikha National High School along the provincial road, according to the school’s principal, Datu Brahim Balabaran Gulam. The supporters of the rival candidates had been trading accusations of cheating since voting started in the morning at the high school.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. has ordered a manhunt for suspects identified as Romar Abas alias “Mok,” Keds Lidasan alias “Keds,” Michael Abas, and Teng Kapaya. The motive behind the shootings is still under investigation. The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) in Manila stated it has no updates yet on the security condition in the area. PPCRV regional coordinator in BARMM, Fr. Dave Procalla, is coordinating with 18 Muslim non-governmental organizations in Mindanao to monitor the situation during the election.