President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has urged voters in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to safeguard the integrity of the ballot and preserve peace as the region conducts its historic first regular parliamentary elections.
In a broadcasted message, President Marcos highlighted the September 14 polls as a milestone for both the region and the country, marking the democratic selection of representatives for the initial Bangsamoro Parliament.
He framed the electoral exercise as a vital advancement toward long-term stability, democratic governance, and regional self-determination.
“[This day] will be a defining moment in the history of your region and of our country as you choose the representatives who will constitute the first democratically elected Bangsamoro Parliament,” Marcos said.
“I therefore encourage every qualified voter to take part in this momentous event with wisdom, dignity, and respect for one another,” he said.
The President also called on citizens to choose leaders capable of fortifying regional institutions and fostering broader national development.
“May the votes that you will cast help us identify good leaders who can strengthen the institutions of the Bangsamoro and contribute to the progress of Mindanao and the entire nation,” he said.
“Let us also safeguard the integrity of the ballot and preserve the peace that has made this democratic exercise possible,” Marcos said.
The September 14 vote concludes an extended transition phase that was originally slated to end in 2022.
Following four postponements—shifting from May 9, 2022, to May 12, 2025, and ultimately to September 14, 2026—the election schedule was finalized under Republic Act No. 12317, which set the polls for the second Monday of September 2026.
To encourage full public participation, Marcos declared the date a special non-working day across the region.
Palace officials previously confirmed that the elections would proceed as planned despite security concerns, including an August 15 ambush attempt targeting BARMM Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro assured the public that the attack would not derail the transition toward a elected regional government.
“As we nurture our Bagong Pilipinas, may the choices that we make further deepen our sense of civic duty and forge stronger bonds that hold us together as one nation,” Marcos said in closing.