Voting began on September 14, 2026, in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in the southern Philippines under heavy security. The election is the region’s first parliamentary election, marking a major step toward self-government after decades of separatist conflict. Nearly 2.4 million registered voters are choosing an 80-member regional parliament.
However, the historic vote was overshadowed by violence. Three people were killed and 15 wounded in election-related violence in Cotabato City shortly before polling began. Authorities also reported other security and ballot-related problems, including pre-shaded ballots in Basilan.
Despite these incidents, election officials said voting was generally proceeding peacefully across the region, with expanded checkpoints and more than 20,000 security personnel deployed. The election is being closely watched as a test of whether the region’s peace process and autonomy can translate into stable democratic governance.
News as Reported.
