Manila, Sept. 14 -- Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman commended the Commission on Elections (Comelec), election observers and the security sector here Monday for detecting and acting on reported pre-shading of ballots in Maluso town, saying their vigilance is critical to protecting the integrity of the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE).

The Comelec earlier revealed that election materials in Maluso town have been compromised after poll officials discovered pre-shaded ballots in 36 of 69 voting precincts. It placed the town under the poll body's control following the discovery.

"This is exactly why we repeatedly call for strict monitoring of every ballot and every precinct," Hataman said in a statement.

"We already warned abou...