Riot Disrupts Election Day in Marawi City
ELECTION RIOT – A riot broke out in Marawi City on Election Day 2025, causing disruptions at several polling stations.
The altercation between supporters of two groups in Barangay Sagonsongan forced voters inside the precinct to leave temporarily. Police and military personnel had to intervene to restore order. Additionally, voting at one precinct was delayed for over 30 minutes after a poll watcher poured water on the automated counting machine, requiring a replacement from the municipal government.
In another location, two poll watchers were involved in a physical altercation. To prevent further disturbances, security forces are now conducting thorough checks on individuals entering precincts. Barangay Sagonsongan, with 14,000 registered voters, has the highest voter population in the city, making the situation even more critical. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely to ensure the safety and integrity of the election process.
Meanwhile, a shooting incident on Election Day in Silay City, Negros Occidental, resulted in two fatalities and five injuries. The victims, who were city hall personnel monitoring potential vote-buying activities, were having coffee at around 6 a.m. when a group traveling in a van, allegedly led by a local barangay captain, opened fire on them in Barangay Mambulac. The two victims, identified as Albert Salimbot and Ronnie Piedad, were declared dead on arrival at a government hospital, while five others were injured and are receiving treatment at a private hospital in Bacolod City.
The police quickly launched a hot pursuit operation to capture the suspects, identified as Barangay Lantad’s village chief Arnie Benedicto and two unidentified accomplices. Investigations are ongoing, and the motive behind the attack is still unclear. Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay of the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region condemned the violence and assured the public that authorities are taking swift action to apprehend the perpetrators and maintain peace during the election.