The Philippine National Police (PNP) has tightened security in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, following the violence that occurred on October 8, the last day for filing certificates of candidacy (COC).
According to the PNP report, a community watchman was killed, and six others were injured during the unrest.
The investigation revealed that the violence started after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) disapproved the candidacy of a vice mayoral candidate due to legal complications.
Supporters of the candidate reportedly caused the disturbance, which was quickly addressed by members of the Shariff Aguak Municipal Police, the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, and other local security forces.
In response to the incident, the PNP deployed additional personnel to several potential flashpoint areas across Shariff Aguak.
Meanwhile, Comelec Chair George Erwin Garcia stated that the candidate seeking to run for vice mayor had a pending warrant of arrest.
Upon verification, security forces served the arrest warrant as the candidate attempted to file his COC, triggering the outrage of his supporters.
Garcia further explained that the candidate did not possess a valid COC but only a Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA) from a political party, which was insufficient for his candidacy to be accepted.