Three people were killed and 15 others injured in a shooting near a polling center in Cotabato City, just hours before the BARMM Parliamentary Elections on Sept. 13, 2026.
The incident occurred outside Datu Usman Mampen Elementary School in Barangay Bagua 2, where voters had gathered in line ahead of the election.
According to the initial investigation by the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), the shooting stemmed from a dispute between two rival groups reportedly connected to early queuing at the polling center.
Following the incident, authorities increased security across Cotabato City. Additional personnel from Marine Battalion Landing Team 6 and the Special Action Force were deployed to reinforce security in the area.
Authorities also established checkpoints and intensified monitoring while the investigation continued.
Police and military officials said they would maintain heightened security at polling centers to prevent further disturbances and protect voters throughout the voting period.
The shooting occurred amid already tightened security measures in Cotabato City because of the elections. Authorities continued efforts to secure polling areas following the deadly incident near the school.
