Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday assured the Bangsamoro people that the government will do everything within its mandate to ensure the 'safe, peaceful, and credible' conduct of the inaugural parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on September 14. Marcos made the assurance as he led the opening of the 2026 National Peace Consciousness Month, emphasizing his administration's full support for the historic democratic exercise despite several postponements of the elections.
According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos expressed the government's preparedness for the first Parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. He reassured the Bangsamoro voters of their right to cast ballots freely and without fear. The President highlighted the pivotal role these elections will play in shaping the future of BARMM, emphasizing that the region's transition to a more permanent autonomous government hinges on the decisions and aspirations of its people.
He further noted that the elections form part of the ongoing peace process in Mindanao, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Final Peace Agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). This agreement is seen as a landmark achievement in the pursuit of lasting peace in Mindanao, born of the efforts and sacrifices of MNLF members.
Marcos honored those who chose dialogue over division, stating that the Agreement remains a covenant to pursue justice and self-determination through peaceful means. He emphasized the opportunity to strengthen the gains of peace through democratic institutions.
Additionally, Marcos underscored the significance of the 1986 'Sipat,' or Mount Data Peace Accord, with the Cordillera Bodong Administration-Cordillera People's Liberation Army (CBA-CPLA), which is being commemorated this year. The Accord marked a formal ceasefire and demonstrated that peace requires responsibility, dialogue, and a commitment to uplift communities.
The President also mentioned the recent signing of a fulfillment agreement with the CBA-CPLA, which aims to end armed hostilities in the Cordillera and support the region's aspirations for autonomy. This year's National Peace Consciousness Month, spearheaded by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, carries the theme 'Kapayapaan Pagtibayin, Kaunlaran Paigtingin' (Strengthen Peace, Intensify Development), highlighting the connection between peace and sustainable development.
