The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) recognises the historic significance of the first regular parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on 14 September 2026 in advancing the Bangsamoro people’s rights to self-determination, political participation, and democratic governance. Through its Bantay Karapatan sa Halalan (BKH) 2026, the CHR deployed human rights monitors to assess whether the electoral process upheld the rights to suffrage, security, equal access to public service, and meaningful political representation, particularly among vulnerable and marginalised sectors.
As of election day, the CHR has observed reports of security concerns, election-related violence, gun-ban violations, ballot irregularities, threats and intimidation, vote-buying, and disinformation. These reports are not final findings of fact and remain subject to verification by the competent authorities.
The CHR is deeply concerned by election-related violence that places voters, candidates, election personnel, and communities at risk. On the eve of the elections in Cotabato City, a shooting incident reportedly left three persons dead and 15 wounded. On election day, additional shootings were reported in and around polling centres, including an incident at Cotabato City Central Pilot Elementary School that injured four persons and a police officer. Other reported incidents included gunshots at a Lanao del Sur precinct, an explosive device in Basilan that was safely detonated, a blast near a polling centre in the Special Geographic Area that temporarily suspended voting, and a firefight between government forces and an armed group in Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao del Sur. Election-related violence poses a serious threat to the rights to life, security, and meaningful political participation.
The CHR also acknowledges the reports of fear among voters and election stakeholders. Reports from Lanao del Sur indicated that some voters considered not voting because of fear of possible commotion, with 21 towns reportedly placed under the red category or identified as areas of concern. Volunteers and observers also raised concerns over access to polling places, armed presence, ballot interference, and other incidents that could discourage participation. The CHR stresses that every voter must be able to exercise the right to vote free from fear, intimidation, coercion, and retaliation.
The integrity and security of the ballot are equally essential to credible elections. The discovery of pre-shaded ballots in Maluso, Basilan raises serious concerns. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) placed Maluso under its control after pre-shaded ballots were found in 36 of 68 precincts. Voting was delayed while replacement ballots were provided and was subsequently extended by an additional day. The delivery of election materials to 31 clustered precincts serving 14,267 registered voters was also reportedly delayed after armed men positioned themselves on roads leading to the voting areas.
Vote-buying likewise threatens the free expression of the people’s will. The Legal Network for Truthful Elections or LENTE reportedly recorded 19 reports involving vote-buying or vote-selling, together with partisan political activity by electoral or sectoral board members, particularly in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. COMELEC’s Committee on Kontra Bigay also issued a show-cause order concerning allegations of advance vote-buying. The CHR calls for impartial investigation and enforcement, regardless of the political affiliation or influence of those involved.
Effective election security must protect both public safety and human rights. The CHR notes the enforcement of the COMELEC gun ban as an essential safeguard for peaceful elections. All checkpoints, arrests, searches, and other security measures must be lawful, proportionate, and respectful of human rights.
The CHR also recognises the efforts of institutions and individuals who worked to keep the electoral process safe and operational despite difficult conditions. The Commission commends COMELEC, the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), local governments, election officers and boards, election observers, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders for securing polling places, delivering election materials, responding to security incidents, replacing compromised ballots, and enabling voters to exercise their right to suffrage.
In view of these observations and in pursuit of an electoral system that fully respects, protects, and fulfils the rights of all voters, the CHR puts forward the following recommendations:
- Protect life, security, and participation. COMELEC, the PNP, the AFP, and local authorities must maintain preventive, rights-based security measures in identified hotspots; investigate all election-related killings, shootings, explosions, and threats; and ensure that security operations do not unnecessarily restrict lawful voter access.
- Safeguard the ballot and electoral integrity. COMELEC must conduct transparent investigations into pre-shaded or tainted ballots, delayed precinct openings, ballot interference, and other reported irregularities, including appropriate chain-of-custody reviews, post-election audits, and accountability measures.
- Enforce the gun ban and combat vote-buying. Authorities must consistently enforce the election gun ban and impartially investigate vote-buying, voter intimidation, and other forms of coercion. Enforcement measures must be lawful, proportionate, and protective of due process.
- Protect voters and election volunteers from fear and retaliation. Authorities must ensure safe access to polling places and protect voters, poll workers, observers, and volunteers who report violations. Accessible reporting and referral mechanisms must be available, together with effective remedies for verified violations.
The first BARMM parliamentary elections mark a milestone in the region’s peace and democratic transition. Their legitimacy must be measured not only by the completion of voting, but by whether every voter was able to exercise the right to vote freely, safely, and equally, with the secrecy and sanctity of the ballot protected. The CHR remains committed to working with all stakeholders towards an electoral process and governance system that is rights-based, inclusive, peaceful, participatory, and democratic.###