By Edwin Fernandez

ARRESTED. Forty-seven men from the Maguindanao provinces are arrested in Cotabato City after a commotion that hurt a policeman and two civilians on Sunday night (May 11, 2025). Initial police investigation showed that the individuals were sent to the city as flying voters. (Photo from DXMS-Cotabato)

COTABATO CITY – Forty-seven residents from Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte provinces were arrested here Sunday night after a commotion near the city hall that led to a shooting incident, injuring a cop and two civilians.

“Police arrested all 47 persons as they remain persons of interest in the shooting that injured a police officer and two civilians at about 11:50 p.m.,” Col. Jibin Bongcayao, city police director, told reporters Monday.

He said the commotion occurred in Barangay Rosary Heights 10, just across city hall, where election materials were being distributed to electoral board members. When police responded, there was gunfire.

“They are suspected flying voters from Datu Piang and Kabuntalan towns in Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte,” Bongcayao said.

He noted that they told police investigators they were recruited to come to the city for a “mission” during the election. (PNA)