‘Bombings to affect Feb 6 plebiscite’By The Manila Timeshome/News/Top Stories/‘Bombings to affect Feb 6 plebiscite’A series of bombings in southern Mindanao would affect the turnout of voters in next week’s second plebiscite, which would determine the inclusion of the province of Lanao del Norte and seven towns in North Cotabato in the Bangasamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm), according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec). “Yes, it will be affected in the sense that some some [voters] will fear for their safety,” Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said in a news briefing on Wednesday. If we need to take an active or definitive action in areas where the plebiscite will be held, we will be able to do it,” Jimenez said. The ARMM ratified RA 11054 during the first plebiscite held on January 21. The city of Cotabato also opted to join the Barmm, but Isabela City (Basilan) rejected it.

Source: Manila Times January 30, 2019 17:34 UTC