3 dead as violence mars election day in Marawi, Lanao del Sur

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Lanao del Sur investigators step up their work to identify suspects

MARAWI, Philippines – At least three people were killed and several others were involved in violence and intimidation-related incidents that marred the elections in some areas in Lanao del Sur and Marawi City on Monday, May 12.

Two people were killed in Bayang and one in Maguing, and authorities also recorded an intimidation case in Taraka.

There was a riot and an incident of damaged election equipment in Marawi City, an explosion in Calanogas, and the arrest of five alleged election gun ban violators in Pualas.

Residents queue to vote for the BARMM local elections, at the Ragondingan Central Elementary School, Buadiposo-Buntong, Lanao Del Sur, on May 12, 2025. Mark Cristino/Rappler

The Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office condemned the killings, with its director, Colonel Robert Daculan, promising swift action.

He said investigators would step up their work to identify the suspects and ensure justice is served.

On election day, more police forces were deployed to the Bayang to beef up security measures and help in the investigation.

Voters walks past troops and a military vehicle in Marawi, a city still recovering from past conflict, and patiently wait under the sun to cast their ballots on election day, May 12, 2025. Abdul Hafiz Malawani/Rappler

In Maguing, Arafat Haron Iskak, a resident of Pikit, Cotabato province, was stabbed to death following tension in Barangay Madaya. 

Police said they were pursuing a person of interest in the harassment of town Vice Mayor Mohammad Aquil Sumagayan.

In a separate incident, a grenade blast followed by gunfire was reported in Sitio Baklayan, Barangay Panggawalupa, Calanogas. Police said no injuries or property damage were reported.

Residents of Marawi brave the scorching heat as they line up to vote on Monday, May 12, 2025, in the battle-scarred city. Abdul Hafiz Malawani/Rappler

In Marawi City, a riot broke out early morning on Monday at the Sagonsongan temporary shelters but was quickly contained by Task Force Marawi. 

At the West Marinaut precinct, a female poll watcher allegedly poured water on an automated counting machine (ACM), damaging it. She fled and is being pursued by authorities.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) replaced the damaged machine, allowing voting to resume.

E-DAY. Despite the sweltering heat, residents of Marawi turn out in droves to vote during the 2025 elections on Monday, May 12. Abdul Hafiz Malawani/Rappler

In Pualas, five individuals were arrested in Barangay Talambo for allegedly violating the election gun ban. All five are from Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte.

Police seized from the suspects assorted firearms and ammunition. The suspects are in police custody and will face criminal charges. – Rappler.com

Abdul Hafiz Tacoranga Malawani is a campus journalist from Marawi City, Lanao del Sur studying Information Technology at Mindanao State University Marawi. The editor in chief of Mindanao Varsitarian, he is also an Aries Rufo Fellowship candidate from April-May 2025.