May 3, 2025 — Amai Manabilang, Lanao del Sur — Tension flared in the municipality of Amai Manabilang after a confrontation broke out between the camp of incumbent Mayor Mastura Manabilang and the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) during the ongoing election period.
According to reports, members of the UBJP rushed to the municipal hall after receiving information that official ballots had allegedly arrived at the premises. Among those who went to the area were supporters and relatives of Kiram Macabanding, UBJP’s mayoral candidate for the nearby town of Bumbaran.
Upon their arrival, they questioned staff members at the municipal office about the supposed arrival of the ballots. One of Mayor Manabilang’s personnel reportedly responded in Maranao: “Mapasad den man dikano pakataban,” which translates to, “The election might already be over.”
Shortly after the exchange, several armed men linked to Mayor Mastura Manabilang arrived at the scene. Witnesses said the men confronted UBJP supporters aggressively, with one reportedly saying, “Why are you here? Do you want us to smash your heads?”
To prevent violence, UBJP supporters left the area peacefully. However, they are now calling on the leadership of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to investigate what they describe as intimidation and abuse by the Manabilang camp.
“There’s a gun ban right now, but these men aren’t police or army—they’re just his private personnel,” said one of the concerned citizens.
Adding to the tension are circulating reports that the mayoral voting may have already been concluded, and only the voting for municipal councilors remains. This has further fueled suspicions of electoral manipulation.
There are growing calls from community members for a military takeover of the area to ensure a fair, transparent, and credible election.