PNP personnel to serve as SBEI in Maguindanao del Norte amid election tension

Around 312 Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel served as the Special Board of Election Inspectors (SBEI) in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.

This action followed a protest by supporters of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) which caused tension and stalled voting in 104 polling precincts.

Police Regional Office of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) P/Lt. Col. Joey Ventura confirmed that a vice mayoralty candidate requested police intervention.

The incident occurred near the municipal hall compound where supporters had been barricading.

Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipality had previously been placed under the control of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) after an election officer was ambushed in April.

A total of 3,698 police officers have been trained to serve as SBEI members throughout the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Comelec has also requested assistance from the Philippine Marine Corps to support police and military personnel at the municipal hall.