The latest eruption of violence in Pandag, Maguindanao del Sur is not only alarming—it is an unforgivable assault on the very core of our democratic process. Four lives have been lost, including a young student, Alkama Kilam Maslamama, and an elderly woman is now fighting for her life in the hospital. The most recent casualty count confirms this as the deadliest single incident of election-related violence in the Philippines in recent memory. The timing, two days before the local elections, makes it chillingly clear: this was politically motivated terror.
This is not an isolated incident of partisan rivalry spiraling out of control. This is an orchestrated campaign of intimidation and violence, allegedly rooted in the long-standing feud between incumbent Mayor Mohajeran “Odjie” Balayman and his political rivals, particularly the Mangudadatu clan. The accusations are heavy—that former mayor Toy Mangudadatu, unseated previously for alleged election fraud, and his brothers were behind the armed assault that plunged Pandag into chaos and forced hundreds of civilians to flee for their lives. The silence from the accused only deepens the suspicion.
Political ambition has now morphed into outright war. And civilians are paying the price.
Let us be clear: this is not just a political rivalry. This is the weaponization of armed power—possibly involving private armed groups, rogue elements of security forces, and disturbingly, even members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) through its political wing, the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP). The implication that MILF-affiliated forces may be involved in coercive electoral tactics is a damning stain on the hard-won peace process.
Eyewitnesses and residents have pointed to coordinated armed activity aimed at intimidating the electorate and securing victory for UBJP candidates. Such actions, if confirmed, blatantly violate the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, dishonor the sacrifices made for peace, and spit in the face of every Filipino who believes in free and fair elections.
This violence has real consequences. It has already resulted in displacement, trauma, and death. It creates an atmosphere of fear where only those with guns and political backing dare to speak, much less vote. What kind of democracy is this when bullets speak louder than ballots?
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) must act swiftly and decisively. The call of Mayor Balayman for troop reinforcements must be answered, not tomorrow, but now. Every polling center must be secured. Every act of intimidation must be investigated. Every group that dares to raise arms against the civilian population in pursuit of political power must be held accountable—no matter how influential, no matter how connected.
It is also time for the MILF leadership to come forward and take a strong, unequivocal stance. If any of their members or supporters are involved in these attacks, disown them publicly. The peace agreement cannot coexist with political violence. The MILF cannot allow its political arm, the UBJP, to be stained by associations with warlordism and election manipulation.
To the national government, to President Marcos Jr., to Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, and to AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner—this is your test. Pandag is now the frontline of our democracy. Failure to act decisively will send a dangerous message to all political actors across the country: that armed intimidation works, that violence can substitute for votes.
Let us not forget the bitter lessons of the past. The 2009 Ampatuan Massacre was the world’s single deadliest attack on journalists and a sobering testament to how political violence can spiral beyond control when warlords and political dynasties are left unchecked. Are we to wait for another national tragedy before we act?
As of now, the people of Pandag are in limbo—caught between gunfire, political betrayal, and silence from those who should be protecting them. And in two days, they are expected to walk into polling centers and cast their votes under the shadow of rifles and the threat of reprisal. This is not democracy. This is coercion. This is war by other means.
To every candidate in this election, we ask: is power worth this bloodshed?
To every citizen, especially in conflict-affected areas, your courage matters more than ever. Your vote is your voice. Do not let it be drowned out by fear.
And to the perpetrators, whoever and wherever you are—your actions are a betrayal of your people, your faith, and your country. The nation is watching. And history will judge you not as leaders, but as saboteurs of peace and democracy.
Enough is enough. Pandag deserves peace, not politics at gunpoint.