Yes vote leading in Philippine Muslim autonomy poll

By Zehra Ulucak

ANKARA (AA) - Yes votes currently lead the regional autonomy poll held in the southern Philippines on granting comprehensive autonomy to Moro Muslims, according to unofficial results shared by the national media.

The voting started on Monday in the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao Del Sur, and the island provinces of Basilan, Tawi-tawi and Sulu as well as the cities of Cotabato and Isabela, with a second round to be held on Feb. 6 in other areas.

According to ABS-CBN News, in the Maguindanao province nearly 600,000 people voted in favor of the autonomy law, whereas some 9,000 voted No. In Lanao Del Sur, over 503,000 voted Yes, versus some 9,700 voting No. In Cotabato city, nearly 23,000 voted No, while 36,700 voted Yes. In Isabela city, there were some 22,400 No votes versus 19,000 Yes votes.

In the island provinces of Basilan, an overwhelming 147,600 Yes votes drowned out 6,500 No votes. Tawi-tawi Island got 152,000 Yes votes against 9,900 No votes. On Sulu Island, there were some 163,500 No votes and 137,600 Yes votes.

The Yes vote is reportedly leading in five regions, and No in two.

If the Yes vote prevails, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will be replaced with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) -- in line with the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

The second phase of the BOL will be held on Feb. 6. Six towns in Lanao del Norte and 39 villages in six districts of the Cotobato province and surrounding areas will vote on their inclusion in the autonomous region.

The law, signed by the Philippines' President Rodrigo Duterte last year, is predicted to provide comprehensive autonomy to Muslims, in addition to judicial and economic advances.

Under the law, courts of Islamic law will open in the region, and the Philippines’ central government will transfer its administrative authorities in Mindanao to the Bangsamoro government.

The waters in the Bangsamoro region will be simultaneously managed by the national government and Bangsamoro government. The autonomous government will be responsible for the management of energy resources.

In addition, the former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters will be able to join official forces.