Buluan, Maguindanao del Sur – May 4, 2025 — A powerful explosion late Saturday night shook the town of Buluan after an explosive device was hurled in front of the residence of United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) Vice Gubernatorial candidate Hisham Nando in Barangay Poblacion.
No injuries or casualties were reported, but the blast — suspected to have been caused by an M79 grenade launcher — has heightened fears in the community as the May 12 elections draw near. Authorities are still confirming the type of explosive used and are actively investigating the motive and perpetrators behind the attack.
According to Board Member aspirant Rahib Nando, a cousin of the candidate, the explosion occurred just outside the family compound. Thankfully, Nando and his family were unharmed.
In a statement released by the UBJP, the party strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a blatant act of intimidation intended to instill fear in the days leading up to the polls.
“We strongly condemn the violence that occurred in front of the residence of Vice Gubernatorial Candidate Hisham Nando this evening in Buluan, Maguindanao del Sur. This kind of incident is a clear act of intimidation as the elections approach.
Alhamdulillah, Candidate Nando and his family are safe. But safety alone is not enough — the message behind this violence is a reminder of why we must win this fight. We cannot be led by fear.”
The party urged law enforcement authorities to act quickly and hold the perpetrators accountable.
“UBJP calls on the police and concerned authorities to immediately investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice. We thank the local community and government for their swift response.”
Mayor Babydats Mangudadatu and his father, former mayor Datu Jhong Mangudadatu, have closely coordinated with police officials, ensuring that bomb disposal units and investigators were promptly deployed to the scene to secure the area and collect evidence.
UBJP emphasized that now more than ever, the people must remain strong and reject violence as a political tool.
“With only one week left before the elections, it is all the more important to show the strength of the people. Let us support the UBJP candidates — a party rooted in principle, not violence.
We will not back down. We will not be shaken. On May 12, vote for a Bangsamoro led by courage, not fear.”
This incident is the latest in a series of election-related violent acts in Maguindanao del Sur and other parts of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), despite ongoing efforts by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and local officials to promote peaceful and fair elections.
As the region inches closer to election day, the explosion has once again underscored the fragile peace and the urgent need for stronger security, vigilance, and unity in defending democratic processes.