Twenty-one polling precincts delay voting in Datu Odin Sinsuat
As of late Monday afternoon, twenty-one polling precincts in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte have yet to start casting votes, despite the scheduled opening at 7 a.m. This has caused concerns over the smooth conduct of voting in the area.
According to an update at 4 p.m., the Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed that 37,498 out of 37,525 polling precincts nationwide—equivalent to 99.93%—have already begun voting. Meanwhile, six precincts have concluded operations, including five in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and one in Western Visayas.
Police take over as special electoral boards
In Datu Odin Sinsuat, police officers have stepped in as special electoral boards (SEBs) following protests from a political party. The Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR) reported that 312 cops are now serving as poll workers in the municipality.
Protests delay election paraphernalia release
Police Lieutenant Colonel Jopy Ventura explained, “Kanina po, bago po ilabas yung election paraphernalias doon sa munisipyo po ng Datu Odin Sinsuat nagkaroon po ng protesta itong mga supporters po ng [United Bangsamoro Justice Party].” This means that before the election materials were released in Datu Odin Sinsuat, there was a protest by the party’s supporters.
The protest lasted until almost 10 a.m., during which negotiations took place. Ventura added, “Umabot po yan hanggang ngayong almost 10 o’clock. Nagkaroon po ng negotiation. At pinoprotesta na po ng isang vice mayoralty candidate is kung puwede daw po pulis daw po yung mag-act po as SEBs.” This indicates a vice mayoralty candidate requested police to act as SEBs.
Voting hours and special provisions
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) set early voting hours from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women. Regular voting hours run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For more updates on Eleksyon 2025, readers are encouraged to visit the dedicated microsite for comprehensive election coverage.