Polling stations opened today in the Bangsamoro region, a predominantly Muslim autonomous region in the Philippines, to elect the local parliament for the first time. This vote is considered historic for the region.
The deadly shooting occurred just a few hours before the opening of the polling stations. Three people died in the incident, which involved rival factions of a rebel group. The violence between the armed group's factions happened at a particularly sensitive moment, coinciding with the period immediately preceding the elections.
Bangsamoro is an autonomous region created specifically for the Muslim population of southern Philippines, in an attempt to resolve decades of armed conflict between the central government and separatist groups. The election of the local parliament represents an important step in the implementation of the peace agreement between the government and the rebels.
