Authorities inspect a reported explosion in Kalanganan, Cotabato City on September 13, 2026. Lerio Bompat, ABS-CBN News
COTABATO CITY — The historic Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections will push through on Monday despite the two separate explosions that were recorded in Cotabato City on Sunday evening.
The first explosion occurred around 7:35 p.m. near Amirol School, in Bgy. MB Kalanganan, according to an initial report by police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. An unidentified individual was injured when he allegedly attempted to throw a grenade at government forces, only for the device to detonate prematurely.
The second incident was an alleged explosion along Datu Udtog Matalam, Malagapas, Bgy. Rosary Heights 10, also in Cotabato.
READ: Twin explosions transpire in Cotabato City ahead of BARMM polls; 1 wounded
"Dalawang insidente sa gabi bago ang araw ng eleksyon. Mga pahiwatig na hindi namin puwedeng balewalain," Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Erwin Garcia said.
"Kaagad natin ipinag-utos sa pulisya [na] hanapin at dakpin ang mga nasa likod nito," he added. "Ganunpaman, tuloy na tuloy ang halalan."
The second incident occurred around 8:10 p.m., with police responding to a call from a concerned citizen. Authorities said that the materials used in the explosion were believed to have been wrapped in garbage.
There were no reported casualties or injuries in the incident.
Couple Ibrahim and Fauziah Upam told ABS-CBN News that they heard a loud explosion at the time and thought that a transformer on a nearby electric pole had exploded.
"Expected namin 'yung parang transformer. Hindi namin akalain na bomba na pala," Fauziah said. "Sobrang lakas… Nakakatakot, nakaka-tense."