By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Reinforcing his support for long-lasting peace in Mindanao, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reiterated his respect for the Bangsamoro region’s autonomy in a message on Wednesday.
In a social media post, the President honored the formation of a 46-member majority coalition in the Bangsamoro Parliament and congratulated all of its duly elected members.
The statement read, “The first-ever BARMM Parliamentary Elections mark a historic milestone in the Bangsamoro’s pursuit of self-governance and lasting peace. The successful conduct of the elections shows that the political process is proceeding at such a good pace.”
President Marcos Jr. added, “We respect Parliament’s authority to determine its leadership in accordance with the Bangsamoro Organic Law. We look forward to working with the government formally constituted by Parliament in support of peace, stability, and inclusive development.”
September 14, 2026 was an important date in the region’s history, for it served as the day when the first BARMM Parliamentary Elections took place after being delayed and rescheduled several times.
Amid looming threats, authorities reported minimal incidents of violence that transpired on that fateful day, despite palpable tension and the region’s history of clashes between political clans and rival factions.
The Chief Executive concluded his message by reassuring BARMM residents that the national government remains in full support of their self-governance, as they forge a path towards prosperity in the region.
jpv
