At least 4 killed, 19 injured in election-related incidents in Cotabato City

SECURITY. Philippine Army soldiers man an election checkpoint in Sultan Kudarat in Maguindanao del Norte, on September 13, 2026, a day before the first Bangsamoro parliamentary elections. Manman Dejeto/Reuters Cotabato City, the regional center of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, has since been placed under Comelec control MANILA, Philippines – Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia said that deaths related to the ongoing Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao parliamentary elections rose to four on Monday, September 14, following the recent shooting in Cotabato City. Garcia said during a press conference on Monday afternoon that the shootout inside the Central Pilot Elementary School in Cotabato City killed one and injured three. Rappler journalists on the scene recorded parts of the shooting that started past 6 am Monday. The incident brings the total election-related deaths to 4 and injuries to 19. (READ: Early violence mars election morning in BARMM regional center) Three had died in a shootout between rival political supporters outside Datu Usman Mampen Elementary School in Cotabato City early Monday morning. The incident left 15 others wounded. Meanwhile, a man was critically injured in an explosion on the eve of the elections, Sunday night, September 13, in Barangay Kapimpilan in Mother Kalanganan, Cotabato City. Initial reports said the man, a resident of Poblacion 1, was believed to have been carrying an explosive device. Following Monday morning’s incident, the Philippine National Police in the region said investigation and pursuit operations were underway, and called on the public to “remain calm and vigilant, cooperate with authorities, and immediately report any suspicious activity or security concern.” Election-monitoring group Legal Network for Truthful Elections also called for calm and respect for the democratic process. Cotabato City has since been placed under Comelec control. – Rappler.com How does this make you feel? Loading