President Marcos met leaders of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in an effort to strengthen their collaboration and cooperation not only to ensure peaceful elections next year, but also for the sustainable development of the region.

President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. joins a meeting with provincial governors of Bangsamoro region and Mindanao leaders held last Oct. 24, 2024 at the Aquado Residence in Manila. (SAP office)

Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Antonio Lagdameo held consultations with the BARMM officials during the roundtable meeting.

“The diverse assembly of both local and national leaders has also emphasized PBBM’s commitment to an inclusive development and peace in the Bangsamoro region,” Lagdameo said in a statement.

The meeting, which was held recently at the Aguado Residence in Manila, hoped to arrive at an understanding that would firm up the cooperation between the local leaders and the national government in addressing the “unique challenges” that the Bangsamoro region faces.

Lagdameo explained that the meeting did not only highlight the government’s commitment to an inclusive governance, but it also set the stage for future partnerships to improve the lives of BARMM residents.

“As the political landscape in the region evolves, the cooperation among these leaders will be essential for shaping up the future of their communities and in fostering sustainable development in BARMM,” he added.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) confirmed the meeting of Marcos with the BARMM leaders, with whom he discussed a wide range of issues, centering on peace and prosperity in the region.

“It was a productive and frank exchange of ideas on how to move forward the government’s development agenda for the Bangsamoro people given the recent Supreme Court decision excluding the province of Sulu from the territorial jurisdiction BARMM,” the PCO said in a separate statement.

Also, the Chief Executive’s discussions with the BARMM officials and other influential Mindanao leaders focused on preserving political stability in the region amid growing tension triggered by the first parliamentary elections in BARMM in May 2025.

The meeting was attended by BARMM Governors Hajiman Hataman of Basilan, Yshmael Sali of Tawi-Tawi, Mamintal Adiong of Lanao del Sur, and Abdulraof Macacua of Maguindanao del Norte.

Maguindanao gubernatorial aspirants Datu Tucao Mastura of del Norte and Datu Ali Midtimbang of del Sur were also in the meeting together with Partido Federal ng Pilipinas president and South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo, Presidential Adviser for Marawi Rehabilitation, Secretary Nasser Pangandaman, and Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chief Leo Magno.

According to the PCO, the meeting with the BARMM officials is part of the Marcos administration’s “vow to directly and regularly consult local leaders regardless of political affiliation.”