Northern Mindanao voters largely retained their local leaders in Monday’s midterm elections, with only Misamis Oriental seeing a leadership change as former congresswoman Juliette Uy unseated incumbent Governor Peter Unabia.
Election officials proclaimed Uy’s victory Tuesday with 324,000 votes against Unabia’s 232,300, though the outgoing governor’s camp plans to file a protest, alleging counting irregularities.
In neighboring Lanao del Norte, the Dimaporo political dynasty maintained its hold as Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo secured another term as governor while his mother, outgoing Governor Imelda Dimaporo, transitioned to become the province’s First District representative.
In Bukidnon province, Valencia City has a new mayor-elect with Junamie Galario, who will succeed outgoing Mayor Azucena Huervas.
However, Huervas lost her bid in the gubernatorial seat to incumbent Gov. Rogelio Neil Roque, who will serve his second term.
Regional party-list groups Abante Mindanao and Asenso Pinoy appeared poised to gain congressional representations based on partial results.
Police Regional Office-10 Director, Brig. Gen. Jaysen de Guzman, reported peaceful elections across the region.
“Our focus now shifts to post-election operations to ensure peace and stability as results are finalized,” De Guzman said in an interview.
The police chief’s statement came as election watchdogs monitored the smooth transition of power in most provinces. (PNA)
