Failure of elections has been declared in 14 barangays in the municipalities of Butig, Binadayan, and Tubaran in Lanao del Sur.

The Comelec en banc decided to adopt the recommendation of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Regional Election Director Ray Sumalipao to declare failure of polls in said areas involving more than 40 clustered precincts.

"Considering that the election for local positions in the concerned municipalities may still be affected by the number of registered voters in the above precincts, and so as not to disenfranchise the voters in the foregoing locations, the Commission resolves to adopt, with modification, the recommendation (to) declare the failure of elections in the foregoing areas in accordance with the provision of the Omnibus Election Code," Minute Resolution No. 22-0648 of the Comelec en Banc read.

In his memorandum, Sumalipao cited different reasons why failure of elections should be declared in a number of clustered precincts in the following areas.

In Brgy Ragayan in Butig: The official ballots were stolen, the AFP dailed to retrieve it, one policeman was also stabbed while protecting the vote counting machines (VCMs).

In Brgy Pindolonan in Bindayan due to the presence of violence resulting to the damage of VCMs and official ballots.

In Barangays Tangcal, Datumanong, Guiarong, Baguiangun, Wago, Malaganding, Gadongan, Riantaran, Pagalamatan, Mindamunag, Paigoday-Pimbataan, and Metadicop in Tubaran elections were attended by violence, threats, and intimidation.

The Comelec said special elections will be held in said areas on May 15, 2022 or on a date that the en banc deems proper.