Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua has appealed to all stakeholders in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to set aside differences stemming from the recent midterm elections and work together to ensure a seamless and non-violent parliamentary elections in October.
MACACUA (FB)
“In this coming October electoral execise, we urge all stakeholders of the region to unite and work with the agencies of the national government in ensuring that the confusion and hostilities which unfolded during the midterm poll campaign period and on Election Day will not happen again,” said Macacua in a statenrnt.
The region is preparing for its first-ever parliamentary elections. A new chief minister and parliamentary members will be elected.
Macacua sought to address growing public concerns regarding recent election-related hostilities and clarify the government's position on maintaining law and order during the electoral process.
He said that ensuring a smooth leadership transition and preserving the integrity of the electoral process remain his top priorities.
Macacua reiterated that BARMM is committed to strengthening democratic governance while upholding its autonomy.
Meanwhile, religious leaders in BARMM are intensifying efforts to address the issue of rido or clan feuds, which reportedly continue to threaten community stability and civilian safety.
Rido, often fueled by land disputes, political rivalries, and long-standing family conflict, has been a significant cause of violence and displacement in the region.
The United Nations Development Programme identified rido as a major barrier to peace in BARMM.
Macacua also said the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces is conducting the decommissioning process for former BIAF combatants, a critical component of the peace process.
“The Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces are now in the process of decommissioning, and I am also part of that process. Kailangan ma-decommission. So, until now, hindi pa rin ako nade-decommission. But definitely, I will undertake this decommissioning,” Macacua said.
The Institute for Autonomy and Governance and the Integrated Electoral Monitoring Committee said they would recommend policies to ensure more credible, safe, and peaceful elections in the future, based on their observations from recent polls.