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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider BARMM's first parliamentary polls, fruition of decades-long peace efforts—Marcos

BARMM's first parliamentary polls, fruition of decades-long peace efforts—Marcos

Published Aug 16, 2026 04:00 pm
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. responds to questions from the media during the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) Presidential Luncheon on Aug. 14, 2026. (PCO)
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. responds to questions from the media during the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) Presidential Luncheon on Aug. 14, 2026. (PCO)
President Marcos stressed the importance of the first parliamentary election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as he believes that it is the culmination of decades-long peace efforts.
The President also said the parliamentary election next month is important for Mindanao's peace and development.
"So, that is why the elections in September are so important for the development of Muslim Mindanao. And it was just pointed out to me that the elections in September will be 50 years after the Tripoli Agreement,” Marcos said during the question-and-answer session of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) Presidential Luncheon on Aug. 14.
“And if you want to go even further, the peace process began in 1968. And so this is the fruition of that entire process that went on from, shall we say, ‘68 then to the Tripoli Agreement, and then now we have BARMM, and we will have an elected parliament,” Marcos added.
The first-ever Bangsamoro Parliament election is expected to take place in BARMM on September 14, 2026.
The Chief Executive said he has great confidence in the region because former secessionist fighters who were literally in the mountains fighting government forces are now out there campaigning to be members of the Bangsamoro Parliament.
According to Marcos, participation in the electoral process is the clearest sign that they have adopted the path of choosing the political process over picking up their weapons, to bring peace and, hopefully, progress to the region.
"I'm very optimistic that as long as we have a credible and transparent election and peaceful, of course, election in September, then that will be a huge step forward for the regional government of BARMM," Marcos said.
Marcos also noted the government used to fight on two fronts—battling the communist insurgency and a secessionist movement, but they have been "markedly reduced."
The President also said he can already anticipate the tremendous progress and development in the BARMM with the recent developments.
“I joke with some of my friends from the area. I said, when I’m done being president, I’m moving to Mindanao simply because the opportunities are just incredible,” he said.
Marcos also expressed hope that BARMM becomes a region that is successful in terms of providing service to its people and that there will be progress in terms of the economy, jobs, and people's livelihoods, among others.

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