Bangsamoro 2nd plebiscite goes smoothly in Lanao del Norte

By MASIDING NOOR YAHYA

February 6, 2019

The second Bangsamoro plebiscite in Lanao del Norte is going on smoothly amidst strict security measures implemented by the Armed Forces and the Philippine National Police after three separate bombs rocked the province on Tuesday. 

As of posting time, there was a good number of voters’ turnout in the province. Voters came to polling centers as early as 7:00 am. 

It is expected the voting will be finished earlier than 3:00 p.m. when poll precincts will close per Comelec rule. 

Members of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) coming from Lanao del Sur were not allowed to enter polling centers but they did not force their way. 

The first explosion that rocked Lanao del Norte a day before the plebiscite happened at 4 p.m. in Barangay Maranding, the business center of Lala town. 

The second occurred 4:50 p.m. at the back of the municipal hall in Kauswagan town, while the third occurred in Sultan Naga Dimaporo town at about 10 p.m. 

No casualty had been reported in the three blasts. 

The three towns are not part of the six municipalities proposed to be included in the Bangsamoro area. 

Lanao del Norte police said they had identified two persons of interest in the blasts on Tuesday but they did not reveal the names yet. (MNY/RSP)