By Brian Jules Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday expressed optimism that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) can secure peace and order for the May 2025 Bangsamoro parliamentary elections but also warned the persons who will disrupt the upcoming elections: “Huwag n’yo nang pag-isipan ‘yan”.
During his talk to the troops of the 6th Infantry Division in Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao, the President reiterated the military’s role will be crucial in ensuring safe and orderly elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) which will elect the successors of the interim Bangsamoro Transition Authority parliament.
The election was originally scheduled in May 2022 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The upcoming first BARMM parliamentary elections in May 2025 will represent a milestone in our journey towards meaningful autonomy and a peaceful Bangsamoro,” he said.
“I am sure that you have the ability, I know you have the ability to secure a safe and honest conduct of these elections as this will lay the groundwork for a Bagong Pilipinas. I am confident that the entire Filipino nation can count on you for this very important undertaking,” he added.
During his another speech at the 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) at Camp Iranun in Maguindanao del Norte, Marcos warned those who want to derail the electoral process that they will face the law.
“Let this also serve as a warning to those who may plan to threaten and derail this upcoming election, huwag n’yo nang isipin ‘yan dahil ang kakalabanin na ninyo ay ang pamahalaan,” he said.
“As we defend the gains we have achieved, we will be vigilant against the enemies of peace. We will bear the full force of the state against terrorist elements,” the President added.
Marcos also urged BARMM residents to participate in the parliamentary election and safeguard their rights.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minority Leader and Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman welcomed Marcos’ statement, saying that the President recognizes the right of the people of the Bangsamoro region to choose who will lead them.
“Malinaw na malinaw ang sinabi ni Pangulong Marcos: tuloy na tuloy na ang BARMM elections sa susunod na taon. His statement left no room for ambiguity. The people of the Bangsamoro will get an opportunity to exercise their democratic rights under the Constitution and under the Bangsamoro Organic Law,” Hataman said.
The lawmaker, likewise, shared the Chief Executive’s commitment to hold honest and orderly elections in BARMM next year.
“Ang Bangsamoro ay para sa Bangsamoro, hindi lamang para sa iilan. Panahon na para ang mamamayan ang sumulat ng kanilang kasaysayan. Walang tunay na demokrasya kung wala sa kamay ng mamamayan ang pagpili ng kanilang mga pinuno,” he said. – av
